Kirk Herbstreit impressed with improvement of Alabama QB Jalen Milroe ahead of College Football Playoff

Kirk Herbstreit singled out Jalen Milroe and the Alabama quarterback’s improvement as something he’s been impressed with ahead of the Rose Bowl.

Joining ESPN’s SportsCenter on Saturday ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff Semifinal between the Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines, Herbstreit took some time to heap praise on Milroe’s play, and he explained why he could give the No. 1 seed fits on Monday evening.

“I think you have to be impressed with what Tommy Rees has done with Jalen Milroe. You have to be impressed with the numbers,” Herbstreit said. “His interceptions are way down. He’s playing with as much confidence as I think any quarterback in the country. His ability to escape is huge. It’s obvious it’s been a difference maker for him. But the great thing in the way I think he’s grown, from where he was earlier in the year against Texas, when they lost and he got benched and came back, is I think they found a plan now where he reads half the field, the ball is out much quicker. I feel like he’s working through his progressions, and trusting that. The only time he really bails is if his reads are completely taken away. But you can see him settle in. He’s got a great arm. Best ball that he throws is the deep ball.

“Michigan’s got Will Johnson and company on the outside, that’ll probably look forward to those matchups with Jermaine Burton and company. But if there’s an advantage, just because it’s so unpredictable, I think you have to go — with both quarterbacks actually, their ability to create, and keep plays alive, will be significant, not only for Milroe, but also I would say with JJ McCarthy.“

Alas, Milroe’s numbers backup Herbstreit’s praise of the quarterback. On the season, the Alabama star has 2,718 yards, 23 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 65.5% completion percentage, 468 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Still, Michigan will come into the game as confident as ever. They’re getting their head coach back for the second time, and playing some inspired football. Plus, they’ve had some extra time to examine Milroe’s game. Maybe they’ll find something other teams haven’t over the last couple of months.

Nevertheless, it all comes to a head in when The Rose Bowl kicks off, set for January 1st at 5:00 p.m. ET with a spot in the national championship on the line. We’ll see if Jalen Milroe is standing tall when it’s all said and done.