Alabama QBs Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa express love for each other after championship

Jan. 11 (UPI) -- There doesn't appear to be any ill feelings between Alabama quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts, despite Hurts losing his job in the national championship.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban benched Hurts on Monday after he completed just 3-of-8 passes for 21 yards for Alabama. Tagovailoa came in and completed 14-of-24 passes for 166 yards, three scores and one interception. He also tossed the game-winning 41-yard touchdown strike to DeVonta Smith in overtime, giving the Crimson Tide a 26-23 victory.

Hurts -- a sophomore -- entered the game with a 25-2 record as a starter. Tagovailoa is a true freshman.

"Tired of people not appreciating the fact that if this man led us to the National Championship," Tagovailoa tweeted Thursday. "And for all the fans that are against Jalen, you against me too. You either with us or against us. Love you 2 #BigBroLittleBro @JalenHurts."

Hurts appears to be on the same page as his teammate.

"Love You Too Lil Bro! Proud Of You! #NationalChampions," Hurts tweeted.

Hurts passed for 2,081 yards 17 touchdowns and one interception this season. Tagovailoa threw for 636 yards, 11 scores and two interceptions.

Tagovailoa attended Saint Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, the same school attended by Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota.