Alabama Crimson Tide Offensive Players To Watch vs. Texas A&M
Even with the early-season struggles, Alabama still is Alabama. The writing is on the wall before halftime if one doesn't look near-perfect.
The No. 11 Crimson Tide (4-1, 2-0 SEC) have rebounded since their Week 2 loss against Texas at home. Nick Saban handed the keys to the offense back to Jalen Milroe after watching Ty Simpson and Ty Buchner struggle on the road against South Florida. Since then, the offense has taken a step forward.
This isn't the same up-tempo passing attack that won national titles with Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, but the ground-and-pound rushing style has led to lopsided wins. The Tide have won three straight games by an average of 17 points since their Week 2 loss at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the run game has been a factor.
Milroe is dangerous in the open field as a runner but also possesses "wow" factor arm strength. Of his six touchdown passes, four have come on throws of over 20-plus yards.
Texas A&M can take over the SEC West with a win Saturday at Kyle Field. The last time Alabama entered College Station, Jimbo Fisher made history as the first former assistant to take down Saban in a 41-38 upset.
Will the unranked Aggies prevail over a beatable but still chaotic Crimson Tide roster?
Follow along with AllAggies.com as we preview every aspect of A&M's matchup with the Crimson Tide throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at Kyle Field.
Now, let's take a look at several players to watch for on offense:
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) scrambles away from Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (35) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
QB Jalen Milroe
Milroe is Alabama's best option. Is it an elite one? No, but the offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has made it work. A native of Houston, Milroe is coming off back-to-back quality outings in conference play, combining for 486 total yards of offense and three touchdowns. He's also completed over 80 percent of his throws and averaged 5.4 yards per run since regaining the title of QB1.
A&M fans remember Milore well after last season's matchup in Tuscaloosa. Replacing the injured Bryce Young, he threw for 111 yards and three touchdowns against one interception. Fisher credited Milroe's deep ball accuracy earlier this week as a strength to the recent offensive spark.
RB Jase McClellan
McClellan was next in line to see an expanded rep count following the departure of Jahmyr Gibbs. So far, he's been Alabama's bell cow back, totaling 67 carries for 369 yards and three TDs.
The senior is at his best setting the tone early in drives. Of his 67 carries, 24 have come on first downs.
RB Roydell Williams
Williams is the change-of-pace runner. He leads the team in yards per carry (5.0) and runs over 20-plus yards (four). The senior isn't much for finding the end zone, but he effectively moves the sticks, converting 13 first-down conversions through five games.
WR Jermaine Burton
Burton was the top receiver heading into the season based on returning production and he lived up to the billing through five games. Despite his eight total receptions, Burton is averaging a team-high 23.3 yards per catch and is tied for the team lead in touchdowns with two scores.
TE Amari Niblack
A sophomore from St. Petersburg, Fla., Niblack has been one of the most consistent weapons for Milroe this season. He only has eight catches, but he averages 19.8 yards per reception. Both of his touchdown grabs have come on plays over 25 yards, including a 39-yard score against Texas in the fourth quarter.
