Georgia lost their quarterback, who was expecting to be amongst the finalists for the Heisman Trophy, for pretty much the entire season.
The tide’s second string receivers had to play like first stringers right away, not back in October. But they didn’t have all those regular season games with Young to get to develop the edge they needed.
Second string Qbs can be equally effective as the starter, sometimes more so. Georgia found that out against the Tide a few years ago.
I remember watching Johnny Rogers of Nebraska way back. An example of what a receiver does after catching the ball that gives defensive coordinators nightmares.
Ohio State won a title with a backup qb late in the season not that long ago.
Playmakers. That’s why my Hawkeye friends back in NW IL can only brag about their defense. Iowa rarely has a big time playmaker.