As I was reflecting on the outcome of the game, I was thinking about Nick Saban replacing Jalen Hurts with a freshman (Tua) in the 4th quarter of the NC game in 2018 (I believe that was the year.) Days insistence to attack the middle of the TTUN defense has been beaten to death (I agree 100%), but I had another thought. I personally believe Howard was slightly concussed at some level, though we will never hear that. He just seemed a little off for most of the game. I know that Devin Brown is our back up, but why didn't Julian get a couple of drives at the start of the 4th quarter? This possibly would have been good for a couple of reasons.

1. He throws a better deep ball than Howard. Coupled with Jeremiah, that alone would be a strong reason. 2. There is no film on him, so TTUN would have to react differently than to Howard. Similar to Cardale in 2014. 3. Change of pace/mix it up. Howard was obviously not getting it done. Bench him for a short time and give the youngster a chance to see if he can do anything. He might make some mistakes, but he could also hit on some big plays. 4. This was Days QB choice of the 2024 class. He wanted him all along, so throw him in there, see what happens. It could have given the team the spark and momentum they so desperately needed.

I am on no way saying that we should bench Howard. He has done a great job for our team this whole year. He just wasn't getting it done last Saturday for whatever reason. I remember they asked Hurts about the benching and he said initially he was a little upset, but he held up a finger and showed his ring. He also commented on how instrumental he was in getting Alabama to that game.

Everybody questioned Saban until Tua won them a title. Then everyone was saying what a great coach he was, handing the NC game to a freshman in the second half. Day could have done the same. Sometimes you have to roll the dice, but it seemed as though Day was too shell shocked to even think about it. He seemed to be playing not to lose instead of playing to win. Huge difference. In the end, I wanted to see Day try anything different to win The Game. Go Bucks!