Nick Saban Considered Replacing Jalen Milroe vs. No. 11 Texas

As the Alabama quarterback battle rages on, Nick Saban continues to evaluate the position on a snap-by-snap basis.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala – It was a night to forget at Bryant-Denny Stadium for quarterback Jalen Milroe and the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

At the hands of former Nick Saban assistant Steve Sarkisian and Texas, the Crimson Tide suffered its first double-digit home loss since 2006 – falling 34-24 to No. 11 Texas. 

While the game was seemingly within reach for Alabama during much of the highly-anticipated rematch, it was the play of Milroe and Longhorn star Quinn Ewers that ultimately separated the two teams by night's end. 

Ewers, who has struggled with injuries and deep-ball inaccuracy for much of his collegiate career in Austin, dazzled when the lights were brightest, tossing a hefty 349 yards while completing 24/38 passes with three touchdowns. 

Milroe, on the other hand, wasn't as sharp, throwing for 255 yards with two touchdowns and two costly interceptions while completing a mere 14 of his 27 passes.

While the junior struggled for much of the game, it wasn't without a few glimpses of hope, including a pair of long touchdowns and keeping the Longhorn defense on their toes with his dual-threat ability. 

For Saban, a lead-taking touchdown drive late was enough for Milroe to fend off his competitors at the position. When asked if a replacement was considered, Saban admitted that the thought was considered, but ultimately not acted upon.

"I did, but when he put the drive together to go down the field and score [...] I thought that gave him a lot of confidence."

Even after a gut-wrenching loss and ugly performance, Saban was still impressed with Milroe's overall poise and leadership.

"I didn't see a bad look from (Milroe) on the sideline, ever. He was into it. He was talking to Tommy [Rees] [...] he certainly didn't get the poor me's over any of it. He competed."

As the Crimson Tide quarterback battle continues, it'll take some major improvement from Milroe, or another candidate, to right the ship in Tuscaloosa – but if tonight was any indication, it's clear that one player continues to stand above the rest, at least in the eyes of the coaching staff, even in the midst of struggle. 

See Also:

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