Nick Saban evaluates first quarter play of Jalen Milroe

There was always a chance Alabama was going to be in a track meet against LSU. With how Jayden Daniels has been playing in recent times, Jalen Milroe was going to have to put on one of his best performances of the season. Through one quarter, Nick Saban likes what he is seeing.

Alabama had a 14-7 lead after one, with the two touchdowns coming from Milroe on the ground. Saban likes what offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is doing with the play calling, working with what LSU is calling on the opposing sideline.

Of course, Saban had to throw in one area where the offense could improve, saying they could be blocking a little better.

“He’s done great so far,” Saban said on Milroe during an interview with CBS’ Jenny Dell. “We got to take what the defense gives and I think they’ve done a good job of that. They’ve got pressure a couple of times. Got to do a little better up front.”

Now, the key for Milroe will be making sure he can continue to play at the high level he did in the first quarter. Consistency has been the biggest problem for him since taking the job back over. A good quarter could instantly turn into a head-scratching one in the blink of an eye.

Saban spoke highly of Milroe in that department heading into the game. Confidence is certainly growing for No. 4 and it’s coming at a great time with an opponent like LSU in Tuscaloosa.

“I think he’s gaining more and more confidence. He’s also gaining the ability to stay focused on the next play and not get frustrated in terms of what happened on the last play,” Saban said earlier in the week. “Staying in the moment is, really, the most important thing you have to do in games like this.

“You’re not going to play a perfect game, you’re not going to hit every throw. You’ve got to learn from the last play, focus on the next play, do what you have to do to make that play work, and not be affected by it.”

There is still a lot of football left to be played. Specifically, three quarters. Typically, the second half has been Milroe’s strength but Alabama will be glad he is off to a fast start.

Now, we will wait to see if the confidence Milroe has been building translates throughout.