Mark Ingram calls Nick Saban benching Jalen Milroe for Tyler Buchner an overreaction

Alabama switched up its plan at quarterback this week, which former Crimson Tide star Mark Ingram believes is an overreaction in the wake of the Texas game.

Following just their second loss in the last 54 home games against the Longhorns, Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced a switch at starting QB for this week’s game at South Florida. Alabama will begin with Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner under center rather than Jalen Milroe, who started the first two games.

On Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff Saturday morning, Ingram said that decision was a bit rash. “I think this is an overreaction. There were a lot more glaring issues than just the quarterback play,” he said, explaining that Milroe’s talents may not have been properly used in the loss.

“For one, they dropped him back 39 times. You think we have Brady Quinn back there?” he joked to the former star QB, who was sitting next to him on set. “Utilize his skillset, move the pocket, let him roll,” Ingram continued. “Let him utilize his playmaking abilities, which he showed us several times in that game.”

Ingram also pointed his finger at other facets of the Alabama team that didn’t come through last weekend, including the defense.

“But let me tell you, on defense, they allowed six plays of over 30+ yards for two touchdowns. They lost by 10 points. And they had no sacks! Quinn Ewers was back there wheeling and dealing. (Brady Quinn) said he looked like a first round pick in that game.”

The Crimson Tide were also unusually undisciplined for a Saban-led team, per Ingram.

“Then they had 10 penalties for 90 yards. Two of those penalties, they called back touchdowns. I think there’s a lot more glaring issues than just quarterback play that Alabama needs to address.”

At the end of the day, though, this former Alabama star knows better than to question Nick Saban’s leadership and suspects the longtime coach will push the right buttons this week to get a better performance out of his team.

“Now, I trust in St. Nick. He’s there everyday, I’m not there everyday, so I trust him to make the right decisions for the team and for the program. But I do think this is an overreaction for Jalen Milroe.”

There you have it. According to the former Heisman-winning RB, Alabama needs to have some more patience with Milroe at QB. Instead, they’ll give Buchner a try today, though.