Jalen Milroe on game-winning 'Gravedigger' play that will forever live in Iron Bowl lore

Alabama’s dynamic dual threat of a quarterback, Jalen Milroe, carried the Crimson Tide all the way to an appearance in the Rose Bowl this season. Milroe had one of the more clutch plays in Iron Bowl history in this year’s version of the game.

He delivered an unforgettable dagger, an improbable game-winning touchdown toss to Isaiah Bond on 4th and 31 with 32 seconds left. It lifted the Tide to a heart-stopping 27-24 victory in the closing seconds of the game.

Jalen Milroe joined The Paul Finebaum Show

On the Thursday edition of The Paul Finebaum Show, Milroe talked about the famous play that will forever cement him in Iron Bowl lore. How often does the play come up as he’s walking down the street on a daily basis?

“(Laughs) Well I will say that is definitely a topic that is a part of conversations. Because I’m in the state of Alabama. So, Auburn-Alabama is a big rivalry within the state. And so, that’s a part of conversation when two neighbors are near each other, they’re gonna talk about the Iron Bowl,” Milroe said.

“So, I’m near it. And whether it’s on campus wearing shirts. But you know, it’s a special moment. Special moment for the University. And so, I’m just glad I was able to live it and experience that play,” Milroe finished.

The play that will forever live in Alabama football and Iron Bowl history, was certainly no accident. Milroe told Finebaum that the Tide had rehearsed the play several times throughout the year.

“It was all about the preparation. Like I talked about during the season. It was funny because we practice that play every single week. We didn’t know when it was going to happen. That was a chance to perfect our craft and that was our opportunity to take advantage of it,” the dynamic dual-threat noted.

Milroe returns for the Crimson Tide’s 2024-2025 campaign as one of the nation’s leading Heisman Trophy candidates.

Last season, he completed 65.8% of his passes for 2,834 yards, while tossing in 23 touchdowns with six interceptions. As a runner in the open field, he certified himself as one of the nation’s most electrifying quarterbacks with the ball in his hands, rushing for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns.

This spring, Milroe’s odds to win the Heisman Trophy next season were listed at 15 to 1, according to Circa Sports.