Nick Saban clarifies 'crystal ball' comment about Jalen Milroe's confidence against Texas after first start

After Alabama’s Week 1 victory against Middle Tennessee State, Nick Saban was asked about how Jalen Milroe’s will build off his big night heading into a huge Week 2 game against Texas. Milroe impressed in his first start, accounting for five touchdowns in the season-opening win.

Saban responded by saying he doesn’t have a “crystal ball” and didn’t want to make a prediction about how Milroe will play against Texas. During his press conference Wednesday, he clarified those comments.

“Austin, look, you didn’t ask a bad question the other night. I just didn’t answer it very well,” Saban said to Austin Hannon, who asked the question. “When a guy plays well in the game at any position, it should help his confidence and it should help him perform better in the future. But I do think that every player has to understand that just because I played well, I still want to try to improve a few things that I could have done better. And I think if a person keeps that mindset, then they’re always improving, aight? Because you’re never satisfied and you’re always trying to do better.

“You don’t let complacency creep into your game, and that certainly hasn’t happened with Jalen. So hopefully the confidence that he gained in this game will certainly help him to continue to play better and better in the future. That’s what we hope for as coaches, that’s why we try to encourage them to do so. That should have been my answer the other night.”

Nick Saban: I think Jalen Milroe ‘did a good job’ against Middle Tennessee State

Milroe had a big night against Middle Tennessee. He threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns as he led Alabama with 48 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. It’s the type of performance he could build on this week in a pivotal home showdown against Texas, and Saban knows it.

Saban made sure to give credit where it was due about Milroe’s performance, saying it was the culmination of a strong training camp and a testament to the level of confidence with which he played.

“I think Jalen did a good job,” Saban said. “I think he’s had a good fall camp, I thought he played well in both scrimmages, I think he’s more confident. He’s doing a good job in the passing game. His athleticism helps him.”

While Saban hasn’t officially named a starter, ESPN’s Pete Thamel said it “seems pretty obvious” Milroe will be back under center for Alabama against No. 11 Texas. The game is getting the primetime treatment with a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN. The Pat McAfee Show will also do a “Field Pass” broadcast on ESPN2.