Jalen Milroe Proves Alabama Can Win with Passing Game

The Texas A&M defense challenged Alabama to throw the ball, and Milroe answered with a career day through the air on the way to a road win.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — In his home state in front of one of the largest crowds in Texas A&M history, Jalen Milroe reigned triumphant. 

The Alabama quarterback had a career day in the Crimson Tide's 26-20 win over Texas A&M Saturday night at Kyle Field with 321 yards and three touchdowns. 

"It was a special win just to come in this tough environment and have the next opportunity to have fun and play the game we love," Milroe said after the key SEC West victory. "I think that’s our biggest takeaway, just coming on the road and playing in a tough environment, tough opponent. I’m just excited to get the win."

Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) has one of the best defensive lines in the country, and it might be an understatement to say Alabama (5-1, 3-0 SEC) struggled to get the run game going. The Crimson Tide had -13 rushing yards at halftime and finished with just 23, by far the lowest total of the season. 

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees had no choice but to turn to the passing game, and Milroe was ready for the challenge. 

"Jalen played extremely well," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "We were able to move the ball offensively, even though we had to throw it and couldn't run it very well."

Alabama was coming off one of its best rushing performances of the season against Mississippi State, showing that it could pound the ball on the ground if needed. And Milroe himself has flashed plenty of ability with his legs. But in order for the Crimson Tide to win this one against the Aggies talented front-seven in front of a hostile road environment, he would have to make big throws. 

Milroe had eight completions of 15+ yards including a 52-yard touchdown to Isaiah Bond in the second quarter and deep shots to Jermaine Burton of 45 and 46 yards respectively. 

RIGHT ON THE 🤑@jalenmilroe ➡️ @isaiahbond_

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/D6PfgnWHbL

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 7, 2023

"He’s always showing resiliency," Alabama defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe said about Milroe. "That’s one of the biggest things. He’s a great leader. He’s always going to keep his head up no matter what. He’s never going to complain about anything. He’s never going to shy away from taking control of the guys when they need it. He showed up in a big way because a lot of people think he can only do it with his legs.”

Interceptions have been a weakness for Milroe throughout his career, but after critical mistakes, the Alabama quarterback shows almost an uncanny ability to bounce back. Saturday, after his lone interception in the early third quarter, Milroe went 8-of-13 for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

"Honestly, I don’t think he even worried about it," Burton said. "I feel like his energy all day, even this morning, it was just next-play mentality. We already know that bad plays can happen. But regardless, how are you going to move past it and keep going as if it didn’t happen?”

Alabama was able to get the ball right back thanks to an interception on defense from Caleb Downs, and Milroe took advantage with two straight touchdown drives. His communication with Rees was key. 

"Picks happen," Milroe said. "It doesn’t matter who it is, picks happen. Negative plays happen in the game. It’s all about how you respond. No matter what play it is, good or bad, it’s all about the next-play mentality and trying to get one play better.

“With those internal things, it’s all about how you talk to yourself. How do you move on from all plays? And then also just the great feedback I’m getting from the sidelines. The plan that we had was great. Me and Coach Rees getting on the same page was key to any success during the game."

He was also able to shake off another mistake in the third quarter. On second down inside the A&M red zone, Milroe missed a wide open receiver in the corner of the end zone for an easy touchdown. The next play, he threaded the needle to Burton for a touchdown on third-and-long. 

THROWING 🎯

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/e5ZC0Fvt7E

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 7, 2023

Saban was impressed with Milroe's poise. He has now compared his quarterback to a point guard multiple times. 

"You're gonna make mistakes, bad things are gonna happen sometimes, but you gotta be a point guard," Saban said. "You've got to make lots of assists, not very many turnovers. But you can't let the turnover that you do make, bother you. And distribute the ball to the rest of the guys on the team and let them make plays. And I think he's done a really good job of that."

Even though he had a career-best performance through the air, Milroe did struggle getting the ball out quick enough at some points in the game. He was sacked by the Aggie defense six times – with blame to share between the offensive line and quarterback. 

It's an area in decision-making where Milroe knows he will have to improve, but he doesn't want to be known as a run-first quarterback. 

"No matter what play it is, I’m just trying to be efficient as much as possible, and just do what’s best for the team," Milroe said. "So whether it’s pass or run, I just want to be the best leader I can and best quarterback I can for the team.”

Always humble, Milroe said his main focus is just continuing to get better. People have questioned whether or not Alabama can win a game with his arm. He proved Saturday night that not only that he can, but he will. 

Milroe was benched after the Texas game, where he had two costly interceptions. He got the starting job back against Ole Miss and cemented his status with his performance against the Rebels. He now has Alabama in the position of sole possession of first place in the SEC West and back in the playoff race. After the win at Texas A&M, Milroe said his growth since that moment has come from acknowledging that he's not a finished product.

"Overall, trying to be the best version I can for the team," Milroe said. "It’s all about the team. There’s no single success at all — everything’s for the team. How can I be a better leader, better passer? Just do anything that is asked of me playing quarterback here.”

Alabama’s Defense Erased the Offense’s Mistakes in Momentum-Building Win Over Texas A&M