Oklahoma football: Film study shows Jalen Hurts can succeed at OU

2016 – His first career touchdown pass vs. USC

The Crimson Tide offense had sputtered through most of the first half and Hurts himself hadn’t looked particularly sharp, including a lost fumble on his first-ever snap as a college quarterback. Then, just when it looked like Alabama was destined for another three-and-out possession, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin finally dialed up a big play for his young quarterback. Hurts rolled to his right, planted his feet and launched the ball a solid 55 yards in the air with touch into the arms of ArDarius Stewart in the end zone. It was a big-league throw and a perfect read by a young quarterback still learning the game. The throw set the tone for the rest of the 52-6 spanking of the Trojans, a 2016 college football playoff run and a successful quarterback career for Hurts.

2016 – 31-yard pass to pass to Cam Sims vs. Kent State

Most of these descriptions include some game context to show kind of highlight how important the particular throw was in the larger context of the game and how much pressure was on Hurts to make said throw. However, this is Alabama against Kent State, there’s not much context needed. The Tide were in the first quarter of what would end up being a dominant 48-0 win over the Golden Flashes and had a first-and-10 from the 32-yard line. Hurts saw Sims and decided his guy was better than the guy covering him and threw a beautiful back-shoulder pass that gave Alabama an first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Yes, Kent State isn’t an impressive opponent, but the play belongs on the list because the throw was nearly undefendable no matter who was playing quarterback. We saw Kyler Murray make the same throw to CeeDee Lamb on numerous occasions last year and with Lamb adding bulk to his already-impressive frame in the offseason, it’s a sight I expect to see plenty of when Hurts starts taking snaps in Norman next fall.