Nick Saban ranks Bryce Young among Alabama quarterbacks after SEC title win

Bryce Young is closing out his first year as a full-time starter for the most elite program in college football over the last decade. Week after week, the Alabama signal caller has proven that he’s special.

He’s grown. He’s thrived in the face of adversity– with the gritty Iron Bowl comeback last week proving he isn’t fazed–as he willed the Crimson Tide to an improbable comeback.

Entering Saturday’s SEC Championship game, the odds were stacked against the 20-year-old Alabama quarterback more than any other time this season. Nearly every storyline honed on the dominant Georgia Bulldogs’ defense, a group that has posted historical stats under Kirby Smart.

In the on-field CBS interview with Jamie Erdahl, Young’s head coach was asked where he compares to the recent great quarterbacks to come through Tuscaloosa.

“He’s right up there,” Nick Saban said with a smile.

That’s the ultimate praise for Bryce Young coming from Saban.

“We’ve had some good ones lately,” the Alabama coach continued.

“He played great tonight, he’s played great for us all year long. He’s a great person and a great leader on our team. It’s great to have him leading us.”

Many outsiders have noticed Saban has reacted a bit differently than he has in the past when it comes to showing emotion, answering questions and seemingly constantly praising his young squad.

How does Bryce Young compare to recent Alabama QBs?

In what is widely described as the best team in Alabama football history, Mac Jones helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national title victory last year. Jones played a nearly flawless game, throwing for 465 yards and five touchdowns in the dominant win over Ohio State.

Jones was drafted as the No. 15 overall pick by the New England Patriots in last April’s NFL Draft and has already proven to be the best rookie quarterback of his class.

The former Tide quarterback finished last season throwing for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and four interceptions. His 203.1 passer rating and 77.4 completion percentage were both NCAA season records. He earned a bevy of awards and honors and also served as a mentor for Bryce Young.

Before Jones was Tua Tagovailoa, who brought a unique energy and innovative approach to the Crimson Tide offense. He finished his collegiate career as holder of numerous Alabama football records and was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship and receiving the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards as a sophomore.

Bryce Young has posted ridiculous stats all season, but his last two wins may be his best, by far. Georgia entered Saturday’s SEC clash allowing less than 300 total yards per outing.

Young finished the night with 421 passing yards alone, while adding three touchdowns through the air. The dual-threat signal caller added another 40 yards on the ground, with a rushing touchdown to cap off arguably the biggest win of his young career.

In 13 starts, Bryce Young has 3,901 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions. His total QBR of 88.9 ranks second in the nation.

While there were plenty of naysayers heading into Saturday’s game, FOX analyst and former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn said Bryce Young would be the reason for the upset. He was right.