Alabama's Tagovailoa defends Hurts from criticism

Tua Tagovailoa once again rushed to the defense of fellow Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, the man he replaced earlier this week in the College Football Playoff national championship.

This time, however, it was on social media.

Tagovailoa came on relief of Hurts and tossed three touchdowns -- including a 41-yard strike to fellow freshman DeVonta Smith -- in a 26-23 overtime win over Georgia on Monday. Alabama (13-1) won its second national title in three years a season after losing to Clemson on the last play of the game last year.

Tagovailoa, however, took issue on Wednesday with comments over Twitter that painted Hurts -- a two-year starter and the 2016 SEC Offensive Player of the Year -- in a bad light.

"Tired of people not appreciating the fact that if this man led us to the National Championship," Tagovailoa wrote of Hurts. "And for all the fans that are against Jalen, you against me too. You either WITH US or AGAINST US. Love you 2"

Hurts appreciated the kind words.

"Love You Too Lil Bro ! Proud Of You!" Hurts wrote.

Hurts struggled in the title game by going just 3 of 8 for 21 yards before he was benched in favor of Tagovailoa. The true sophomore has thrown for 4,926 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in two seasons as the starter and rushed for 1,809 yards and 21 scores, posting a 26-2 record over that time.