Jalen Milroe Named Alabama Starting QB by Nick Saban

Saban says Milroe has played the best of the three quarterbacks that have gotten an opportunity so far and earned the opportunity to be the starter.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama has now given three quarterbacks the opportunity to earn first-team reps in game. 

Jalen Milroe did not play at all in Alabama's win over USF after starting the first two games, but head coach Nick Saban announced Monday that Milroe will be Alabama's starter moving forward. 

"From a quarterback standpoint, this is all I'm going to say about this, Jalen really showed the leadership I was looking for during the game and was supporting his teammates and doing the things he needed to do," Saban said Monday. "He's had the opportunity to play, so have the other guys. Jalen played the best of those guys, so I think he's earned the opportunity to be the quarterback."

Here are Alabama's quarterback's stats through the first three games:

• Jalen Milroe: 22 of 45, 449 yards, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, plus 92  yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground

• Tyler Buchner: 8 of 19, 61 yards, 1 rushing touchdown

• Ty Simpson: 6 of 10, 78 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns

After the USF game, Saban said they played the quarterbacks that had practiced best throughout the week. On Monday, Saban was pressed about what he needed to see from Milroe throughout last week, but declined to go further into his reasoning. 

"He's played the best of the quarterbacks, and that's the way it is right now," Saban said. 

Buchner got the starting nod Saturday against South Florida, but struggled to get anything going offensively and was taken out before halftime. Every drive resulted in a punt when Buchner was in the game. Simpson played the rest of the game at quarterback and led Alabama to two touchdowns. 

Milroe was seen on the sidelines actively encouraging and supporting his teammates, including Simpson after Alabama's two touchdown drives. After the game, Saban said he was encouraged by Milroe's leadership. 

"It was a great job by him," Alabama tackle JC Latham said Monday about Milroe's leadership Saturday. "I know a lot of guys in that position throughout a lot of different levels who, especially when you have a starting job at a school like the University of Alabama, once you lose that job, it kind of does something to your confidence and your morale. 

"He took it on the chin. He knew what he had to do to be better. He's never brought negative energy on or off the field. He's held himself accountable. He's held all of us accountable, and he does what he has to do. It was a great example on what a leader is, and what a leader needs to do through adversity and how to be persistent."

Milroe had two costly turnovers in the loss against Texas, but he has moved the ball more effectively than the other two quarterbacks. He will face another big test this week when No. 13 Alabama hosts No. 15 Ole Miss this Saturday at 2:30 in Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

See also:

Nick Saban: 'Kevin Steele is the Defensive Coordinator'