Alabama Names Jalen Milroe Starting QB For SEC Opener Against Rebels

Nick Saban has ended the debate on who will start at quarterback Saturday against Ole Miss

Ole Miss will only need to prepare for one quarterback heading into Saturday's game against Alabama should he stay healthy for four quarters. 

Alabama coach Nick Saban announced that Jalen Milroe will start against the No. 15 Rebels on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Milroe started the first two games, but was benched following a 34-24 loss to then-No. 11 Texas in Week 2. 

"Jalen really showed the leadership that I was looking for during the game in terms of supporting his teammates and doing the things he needed to do," Saban said. "He's had the opportunity to play. So have the other guys. Jalen played the best of all those guys."

Milore, who served as Byce Young's backup last season, looked almost perfect in the season-opening win over Middle Tennessee, completing 13 of 18 passes for 194 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 48 yards and two scores.

Troubles ensued a week later against Steve Sarkisian and a revamped Longhorns' defense. He tossed two interceptions — one in the red zone leading to a score for Texas — and looked inconsistent reading the field even when the offensive line gave him opportunities to throw downfield. 

Make no mistake; Milroe might be mobile enough to evade pressure, but he also possesses a talented arm that can attack deep downfield. Against Texas, he connected with Jermaine Burton for a 49-yard touchdown pass in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. Milore also found tight end Amari Niblack for a 39-yard score, bringing the Crimson Tide within three in the fourth quarter. 

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No. 13 Alabama (2-1, 0-0 SEC) avoided the upset of the century against South Florida thanks to its ground game late, but quarterback play remained an issue. Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner got the start and struggled, completing 5 of 14 passes for 34 yards. 

Saban turned to redshirt freshman Ty Simpson at halftime, but results mirrored Buchner's performance. Simpson finished 5-of-9 passing for 73 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown in the closing seconds to give Alabama the 17-3 win. 

Milroe, who enters his third season with Alabama, had playing experience entering the 2023 season. He filled in for an injured Young against Arkansas and kept the offense afloat with his legs. The redshirt sophomore also started the following week against Texas A&M, completing 12-of-19 passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns against one interception. 

"I came in with Jalen, so I know what kind of player he is and what kind of person he is," linebacker Deontae Lawson told reporters. "It definitely gives me a great spirit."