Alabama starts 2nd half with Tagovailoa at QB after Hurts struggles

Alabama's Nick Saban made a change at quarterback to begin the second half of Monday's national championship, opting to start freshman Tua Tagovailoa over Jalen Hurts.

The Crimson Tide's offense struggled to move the ball in the opening frame with Hurts throwing for only 21 yards total.

Tagovailoa saw limited action this season behind Hurts, but the prized freshman was prolific in his time with the offense. The 6-foot-1, 219-pounder threw for 470 yards and eight touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground.

Hurts has an incredible record as Alabama quarterback since taking over during the opening game of the 2016 season, but has struggled to throw the ball the last three games. The sophomore hasn't thrown for more than 120 yards in any of those contests, and completed only three passes against Georgia in the opening half.