5 reasons to believe the Bryce Young hype
Bryce Young’s debut as Alabama’s starting quarterback only raised expectations. Perhaps that’s where they should stay.
Young had a record-setting game Saturday as the Crimson Tide hammered Miami 44-13 on Saturday. The sophomore threw for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns. Those are both records for an Alabama quarterback in his debut. Young also completed 27-of-38 passes with no interceptions. Young, who was replacing Mac Jones from last season, looked as if he could step in and be a starter for the New England Patriots — just like Jones.
The accolades were strong via traditional and social media. Young was as close to perfect as one could be in a debut situation against a quality opponent. Remember, Miami was actually ranked 14th in the country before Saturday’s contest. That seems lost since Bama was so dominant. Heisman Trophy voters will take note. Don’t be surprised if Young is atop the list of Heisman Trophy contenders for the next couple of weeks.
Young should shine again against Mercer on Saturday. He’ll then make his true road debut as a starter the following week when the Crimson Tide travels to Florida. Considering Miami folded on Saturday and Mercer is, well, Mercer, we really won’t see Young challenged until that Sept. 18 game against the Gators. Nevertheless, the hype train is off and rumbling down the tracks. Is it warranted? Nobody knows for sure but here are five reasons Young will live up to the hype:
Nick Saban believes in him
If there was any question that Alabama coach Nick Saban had doubts about Young, they were answered Saturday. Saban allowed Young to come out passing early. It was a sign that Saban had faith in Young, even in his debut as a starter. However, there was one series of play calls that just emphasized what Saban and his coaching staff think of Young.
While the game was never really in question, Miami had made a push on the first drive of the second half before a deflating goal-line stand. With their backs against the goalpost and a new quarterback, this was the time to be conservative. Run the ball three times and punt if need be? Nope.
After one running play, Saban allowed his offensive staff to call two pass plays with Young in Bama’s own end zone. It worked. Young didn’t look frazzled on either pass play. On the second, he completed a 94-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams. It was the second-longest touchdown pass in school history.
Pocket presence
Young’s pocket presence was certainly on display during that aforementioned series. A sack could have meant giving up a safety. Young wasn’t about to do that. It was readily apparent that he knows a quarterback’s first job is to not make game-changing mistakes. His movement in the pocket allows him to avoid catastrophe.
Young has that innate ability to slide, shimmy or whatever term you choose to avoid pass rushers while keeping his eyes downfield to keep the passing game alive. There are NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks who weren’t as good as navigating a messy pocket as Young was on Saturday.
He can still run
Young doesn’t move around the pocket in hopes of reeling off a 50-yard scamper. He dips and ducks to avoid pressure in order to make plays downfield. However, there will come a time when Young decides it’s time to show off his ability to gain yards on the ground. That could come on a pass play or a run-pass option. Young won’t run often, but it will likely be clutch and incredibly frustrating for defenses who have to play him as a pure pocket passer, which he mostly is.
Alabama isn’t going to run the wishbone anytime soon, but Young is a great overall athlete. That wasn’t fully on display against Miami because it didn’t need to be. One day, we’ll see it.
It’s good to have good friends
Young didn’t take on Miami by himself. As usual, Alabama is chock full of great players despite losing so many key contributors from last season. It starts up front, of course. His o-line is loaded and quite protective. Bama has deep talent at running back and receiver. Those players may be inexperienced but they proved they’re ready to play at a high level on Saturday.
Alabama posted 354 yards passing as 10 players had at least one reception. On the ground, Alabama racked up 147 yards rushing with significant contributions from 4 running backs, who each had at least 6 carries.
He gets it
For those that stuck around through the entire blowout and saw Young in the post-game interview on the sidelines, you had to be impressed. With all the talk of “the system” and “it’s a process,” one would have thought Saban was wearing a Young mask and uniform. Someone get that man a podium and a bottle of Coca-Cola (or would that violate one of his NIL deals?).
Young proved he understood the Alabama way by waiting his turn and not bellyaching over not receiving more playing time or even being the starter last year. He just reinforced that maturity by his comments after the game.
It’s still very early in the season and Young still lacks a significant collegiate track record, but based on the Miami game, you can believe the hype.