NORMAN — The last time Jalen Hurts started a football game, it ended with him watching from the sideline as Tua Tagovailoa led Alabama to the national championship as Hurts’ replacement.
The last time Hurts saw significant time in a game that was still in doubt, he led the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff — against Oklahoma.
Monday, in move that was not unexpected, Sooners coach Lincoln Riley officially named Hurts as OU’s starter.
“I’m stronger, I’m wise, much more mature,” Hurts said recently of him now compared to when he lost his starting spot at Alabama.