Jalen Milroe is the starting quarterback for the University of Alabama, again. The redshirt sophomore was named the starter ahead of college football‘s Week 1 and kept his job through Week 2.
He was benched in Week 3. Now he’s back!
Nick Saban indicated on Monday that Milroe will be the guy going forward. That decision comes ahead of Alabama’s game against Ole Miss on Saturday.
The Crimson Tide quarterback carousel continues to spin.
Milroe completed 72.2% of his passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns against Middle Tennessee, adding seven carries for 48 yards and two scores on the ground. Things did not go well against Texas.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound signal-caller threw two interceptions and completed just 52% of his pass attempts. He also got sacked five times.
Perhaps more importantly, Milroe was telegraphing his throws all night. The Crimson Tide offense looked largely incompetent but for a pair of touchdowns throughout the loss to the Longhorns.
As a result of the Week 2 struggles, Nick Saban decided to give Milroe the hook. Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner took over against USF and looked even worse than his predecessor.
Ty Simpson ultimately took over for Buchner during the near-loss to the Bulls. There was a flash or two of greatness, but it was a mostly uninspiring afternoon.
On sheer will alone, Alabama left South Florida with a win.
Jalen Milroe put his character on display.
It was a surprise that Saban turned to Buchner against USF. There was not a lot of praise for him during fall camp.
Even though Milroe did not play well against a Texas team that has College Football Playoff potential, it was one game. He didn’t look good. But he didn’t look that bad.
And yet, Milroe did not see even one single snap over the weekend. His entire day was spent on the sideline as a leader.
A lot of quarterbacks might have hung their heads after being benched. Spencer Rattler at Oklahoma might be the best example of what not to do following a demotion.
Milroe stepped up in a big way. Multiple videos throughout the game showed him serve as the biggest hype man on the team.
He was just as excited when Simpson scored as he is when he scores!
Milroe was especially proud when Simpson put the game away.
Because of his attitude on Saturday, Milroe is back in the starting role. Saban said so himself!
Although Simpson and Buchner’s struggles played a huge role in the switch back, Milroe’s ability to lead was the kicker. And now he’s back where he started, as the starter.