Nick Saban evaluates Jalen Milroe’s ability to impact run game

Jalen Milroe isn’t your average quarterback. The redshirt sophomore’s dynamic ground game has changed Alabama’s offensive outlook this season. Earlier this week, head coach Nick Saban revealed how he’s adjusted the offense to suit Milroe’s unique abilities.

“Some of them are just getting him to step up in the pocket and then, if it opens up, he has the option to run or throw,” Saban said. “We do have some quarterback runs on the perimeter that he did a nice job of executing and we did a nice job of blocking on the perimeter. It’s a combination of both.”

Milroe’s legs never looked better than in Alabama’s 42-28 win over LSU last weekend. In the team’s triumph, Milroe rushed for a team-high 155 yards and four touchdowns. His arm didn’t look half-bad, either. Milroe also exploded for 219 passing yards in the win.

In total, Milroe boasts 97 carries for 297 carries and nine touchdowns this season, averaging 3.1 yards per rush. Saban knows how difficult it is to face a dual-threat quarterback.

“If you look at it from the other perspective: ‘Because their quarterback is such a good runner on the perimeter, we’re playing stuff to try to make sure we got enough guys to take care of him. They hit a post on us and we bust in the back end, worrying about him running the ball on the first touchdown that they scored.’ So, it creates some issues for you on defense and hopefully, we can keep building on that.”

Jalen Milroe keeps aiming to improve

Alabama’s season has been a constant state of building. After falling to Texas in Week 2, the Crimson Tide have seemingly improved each week. Milroe claims the loss was a motivator for the team.

“We look on it as a learning moment,” Milroe said. “Not dwelling on that moment but also acknowledging what are some things and corrections that we need to make as a football team.

“I can honestly say from my angle as an offensive standpoint, we’re steadily growing and learning and I think that’s key to how our success is driven, and I think experience is the best teacher, and we’re constantly looking to improve. I think the hunger is important for our offense.”

With three games left on its schedule, Alabama can’t afford to lose that hunger now. On Saturday, Milroe and Co. will face off against Kentucky at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.