Jalen Milroe Delivers Breathtaking Performance on Biggest Stage in Iron Bowl
AUBURN, Ala. — What else would one expect in the Iron Bowl?
The best rivalry in college football unfolded like it usually does on Saturday night, ending in unbelievable, breathtaking fashion. On fourth-and-31, Jalen Milroe somehow found Isaiah Bond in the back of the end zone to keep Alabama alive.
"It's all about trust," Milroe said. "It's all about never giving up. That was the biggest thing, throughout the game. With that play, it's all about trust."
"I'll never forget this play, I'll never forget this game ever in my life. [...] This is a surreal moment, and I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible."
Milroe and his best friend, Terrion Arnold, devised "LANK" over the offseason, meaning "Let all naysayers know." There were plenty in the final moments.
"Everybody besides 'Bama nation, they thought it was over," Arnold said. "When [Milroe] stepped up in the pocket, I knew. I knew he was gonna complete it."
There really are no words. There really is nothing else to say. The Crimson Tide finishes the regular season 11-1 and a perfect 8-0 in conference play.
Why? Because the individual leading the team has improved week in, week out to make everyone around him better. He endured an early-season loss to his childhood favorite team, a benching against USF and endless criticism from just about everyone.
On Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, he once again proved why he is one of the most exciting players in the entire country. Auburn has been a house of horrors for many Alabama quarterbacks. Turnovers have plagued Crimson Tide signal-callers in the Iron Bowl.
Milroe had zero. Instead, he passed for 259 yards and ran for 107 more, looking calm and composed the entire way. It's crazy to think that there was any quarterback battle during the offseason to begin with.
"I think he made some critical plays in some critical moments, no bigger than the last one," head coach Nick Saban said. "I thought he played a really, really good game."
"His progress has transformed our team and our offense. Because he is a point guard, and because he is involving everyone in the game. [...] He's now become extremely effective."
He may not win the Heisman this season, but the future is extremely bright for Milroe, who will be one of the favorites entering next season. If he's improved this much throughout the season, imagine what another full offseason will do for him?
"Jalen, he has been improving tremendously each week, gaining the trust of the team, gaining the trust of the players. We all have great, great trust and respect for Jalen Milroe. How he's fought, how far he's come."
Milroe's first regular season is now complete. Next up is the postseason, where he'll get an opportunity to continue to display his superstar-type abilities on the big stage.
