One of the most important things a quarterback can do is inspire the belief — in their teammates, coaches, and fans — that they’re never out of a game; that there’s always a chance.
If there’s one thing that Alabama’s Bryce Young continues to do, it’s that.
Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner proved it yet again Saturday, even in a 52-49 upset loss on the road against Tennessee.
The Crimson Tide trailed 28-10 in the first half, but mounted a second-half comeback that featured multiple lead changes. On his final drive, Young got the Tide in range for a would-be game-winning field goal with just a handful of seconds remaining.
Unfortunately for Young and the Bama faithful, that kick was no good, unlike the one that flailed through the uprights just a few plays later for the Volunteers, giving them their first win over the Tide since 2006.
But while Rocky Top parties into the night, NFL scouts won’t lose sight of yet another gutsy performance from Young, who is just two weeks removed from suffering a sprained throwing shoulder.
Despite the injury, Young completed 35 of his 52 pass attempts for 455 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions Saturday night, against an undefeated opponent, in one of the most hostile road environments in all of college football. He made play after play in clutch situations, doing everything he could to put his team in position to win.
This was before that last TD, but maybe the best example today of Bryce Young’s eyes never getting lost. Like ever. pic.twitter.com/i17IpLKcWo
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) October 15, 2022
Bryce Young dodging defenders with ease. pic.twitter.com/lnN33YJUVv
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) October 15, 2022
Bryce Young 🎯pic.twitter.com/99mKo1dSgC
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) October 15, 2022
Bryce Young with a DOT 🎯
🎥: @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/aWXfItUGW2
— Sporting News College Football (@sn_ncaaf) October 15, 2022
Young’s team took the loss Saturday night, but the physical and mental traits he put on display yet again should cement him in the conversation as perhaps the best quarterback prospect in the 2023 NFL draft class.
While some might be concerned about his lack of ideal size, those detractors would have to ignore the fact that Young is off the charts in every other area of his game, all of which are more important than height and weight.
Even in a losing effort, Young once again proved he has what it takes to be a difference-maker at the game’s most important position, at the game’s highest level.
