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

2017 – 53-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley vs. Florida State

Hurts took a step forward as a passer from his freshman to sophomore year and it didn’t take long to see that in action. Against Florida State in the first game of the year the Crimson Tide had a first-and-10 from their own 47. It’s a situation that screams for a deep pass and Alabama had just such a play dialed up. Hurts first executed a believable play fake, then fired a deep pass down the middle to Ridley. Ridley, who was already open, was able to get even more separation from his defender as he ran under Hurts’ pass. It showed Hurts’ chemistry with Ridley and his improved ability to throw guys open. The score was also a crucial one as it gave Alabama a 10-7 lead in the second quarter on their way to a 24-7 victory.

2017 – 9-yard pass to Calvin Ridley vs. Vanderbilt

The Tide were already up 21-0 on the Commodores and driving down the field for what would end up being another touchdown in a 58-0 win. On a second-and-3 from the Vanderbilt 47 the Tide called a familiar sprint option play that was actually pretty well defended by the Commodores. Hurts rolled right, but found resistance as a Vanderbilt defender crashed into the backfield and dove at his legs. With pressure coming down on him Hurts managed to hit Ridley on a sideline pattern on a throw that was close to perfect for the situation. The play was even more impressive considering Hurts was hit low as he was releasing the pass. With a shaky base, Hurts had to rely solely on his arm strength to make the throw and did just that.