Nick Saban evaluates Jalen Milroe in strong first half vs. Kentucky

Alabama has opened up a 28-7 halftime lead on Kentucky after starting off the game red hot offensively. Quarterback Jalen Milroe got off to a terrific start.

The lone blemish for Alabama came following a muffed punt return by Kool-Aid McKinstry that set Kentucky up with a short field.

The Wildcats capitalized moments later by taking advantage of a miscue in the Crimson Tide secondary.

“The guys have stepped up and played well,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said at halftime. “We made a mistake down here on the goal line on their touchdown in the coverage, but new guys playing new spots sometimes you get that. I’m happy with the way the guys are playing but we’ve got to come out in the second half and do a good job.”

Alabama scored touchdowns on its first three drives of the game, also taking advantage of a Kentucky turnover deep in its own territory.

The first scoring drive for the Crimson Tide went 80 yards in 10 plays and ended on a brilliant touchdown strike from Jalen Milroe to Amari Niblack from 26 yards out.

The Crimson Tide went back to the well and relied on Milroe on the second touchdown, with the Alabama gunslinger finding a bust in the coverage to hit Kobe Prentice for a 40-yard score down the right side of the field.

Kentucky then fumbled on its ensuing possession, setting the Crimson Tide up with excellent field position.

Jalen Milroe would capitalize by plunging in from one yard out, making it 21-0 with 5:12 remaining in the first quarter. Milroe finished the first half 11-of-17 passing for 185 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also ran five times for 29 yards and a score.

“He started out really well,” Saban said. “I think he’s got to take what the defense gives. We don’t want to throw interceptions. You can throw the ball away. They dropped eight guys and nowhere to go with it, sometimes you’ve just got to give up.”

A few big mistakes aside, though, Alabama has played well and dominated the first half.

The Crimson Tide held a 240-118 edge in total yardage in the contest at the break, limiting the Wildcats to just 15 yards on the ground. Kentucky was 1-of-7 on third down.

At the end of the half, Alabama had averaged 7.3 yards per play, while Kentucky had averaged 3.6.