Nick Saban names Jalen Milroe Alabama starting QB for Ole Miss game

Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced during his press conference on Monday that Jalen Milroe will start at quarterback on Saturday against Ole Miss.

Tyler Buchner got the start at quarterback for Alabama this past weekend against USF.

However, Milroe has regained the starting job heading into SEC play.

“From a quarterback standpoint, this is all I’m going to say about this — you know, Jalen really showed the leadership that I was looking for during the game in terms of supporting his teammates and doing the things that he needed to do,” Saban said. “He’s had the opportunity to play. So has the other guys. Jalen played the best of all those guys. So I think he’s earned the opportunity to be the quarterback.”

Alabama will look to bounce back from a rough couple of outings the past two weekends, when it hosts Ole Miss on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and the game will be televised by CBS. Alabama is currently a 7-point favorite over the Rebels.

Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide struggled in a 34-24 loss to Texas in Week 2, which played a role in Saban making a change at quarterback.

The Alabama offense once again struggled this past weekend as Buchner and Ty Simpson each received playing time at QB against the Bulls.

Buchner was 5-for-14 passing for 34 yards, while Simpson was 5-for-9 passing for 73 yards. Neither quarterback passed for a touchdown, although Simpson did run for a score.

Alabama and USF were tied at 3 at the half, before the Crimson Tide eventually came out on top with a 17-3 victory. Still, it was far from an impressive offensive performance, which is likely why Milroe will now get another opportunity to show what he can do as the starter moving forward.

Saban was asked during his press conference on Monday if he was looking to see Milroe step up and be a leader — the way he did — during the USF game. However, he declined to elaborate.

“I made the comment and that’s the comment. So, you know, he’s played the best of the quarterbacks, and that’s the way it is right now,” Saban said.

Prior to being replaced in the starting lineup, Jalen Milroe was 27 of 45 passing for 449 yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions through the first two games of the season. He also rushed for 92 yards and two scores over those first two contests.