Jalen Milroe on impressions from first game: 'It was a start'

Nick Saban wanted whoever Alabama’s QB1 was going to be to consistently work at the job in order to keep it on a game-by-game basis. Now, after his season debut where he led the Crimson Tide to an opening victory, QB Jalen Milroe is ready to do exactly that.

Milroe spoke on how he felt about his performance in ‘Bama’s 56-7 win over MTSU in a press conference on Monday. To him, he saw it as nothing more than the beginning of the foundation of his season as his attention now turns to development where it’s needed.

“I think it was a start. It was a start for everything and the one thing that I want to do is just improve,” Milroe said. “That’s one thing I wanted to do was appreciate the win, number one. But, also, look in the mirror and try to look at, ‘Hey, how can I be a better leader? How can I be a better passer? How can I be more efficient?’. So just, overall, just trying to improve.”

After what was Tommy Rees’ debut as offensive coordinator as well, Milroe expects both of them to be even better next weekend. That’s because they’re going to come together, break down the good and the bad, and grow in the necessary places to take the next step this season.

“I know and trust the offensive staff to push me every day to be the best version of myself,” said Milroe. “I trust Coach Rees to push me. Me and him are going to get together to try and improve.”

Milroe went 13-of-18 for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the pass game against the Blue Raiders. He also rushed seven times for 48 yards and two more scores. There might have been a quarterback controversy coming in but with five scores as SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week? He couldn’t have been much better by the end of the opener.

Still, that was just the first game. For Milroe and company, what’s next is finding a way to be even better by the time Texas arrives in Tuscaloosa this weekend.

Dan Mullen firmly declares Milroe as Alabama’s QB1 for 2023

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe impressed in the Crimson Tide’s season-opening win versus Middle Tennessee. In the end, Dan Mullen saw all he needed to see during the game to make a declaration about him.

Ahead of Monday’s primetime matchup between Clemson and Duke, Mullen didn’t hesitate to give his opinion.

“Yes they have,” Mullen said. “Jalen Milroe came out and his ability to run the ball, his ability to beat you with his legs? And, if you do that, he is going to get such advantageous looks in the pass game. He showed he has the arm to make the throws down the field. I think we are going to see a little bit different old school Nick Saban offense. Running the ball between the tackles, physical football, playing defense. I think they have their quarterback for this year.”