Nick Saban reveals how Alabama QBs can improve internal clock during games

Nick Saban analyzed how a quarterback’s internal clock could be improved in the pocket, as with the case of Jalen Milroe.

Although, the Alabama coach had some jokes during his Monday press conference. But overall, it’s still a developmental process to make Milroe and the other quarterbacks better.

With betting timing in the offense, comes better results.

“I don’t know, how are you gonna deal with not having your phone,” Saban said jokingly. “You know you’re of that generation … I think practice. One thing that you can do in practice and get away with is not have to play with the right ‘time clock,’ to use your terminology, in terms of the rush is not going to be as quick. They can hold the ball and try to figure things out. 

“But then in the game that all changes. So I think to create circumstances in practice where you have to get the ball out on time and you’re constantly talking about getting the ball out on time. I think that’s really, really important, you know, for guys to develop that sense of ‘time clock.’ And it’s the timing of the play. Sometimes you can hold the ball, play’s open for a second, then it’s closed so you gotta throw the ball on time. That’s very, very important. And we got to keep working on that.”

Nick Saban gaining confidence in Alabama QBs, talks improvement

Whatever Milroe did Saturday in the 40-17 win over Mississippi State worked for him though. He went 10-of-12 passing for 164 yards and ran 11 times for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

If Milroe’s internal clock improves, that’ll surely help his confidence. That’s what Saban alluded to after the game Saturday.

“Well, I think he’s building more confidence every day,” Saban said postgame. “I think he’s played better in each game. And I think he’ll continue to do that as he gets more experienced. You know, I think we’re all a little smarter as we get older, because we have more experience. 

“So I think as he gains more experience, he’s going to gain more confidence. He’s very committed and prepares the right way and does the things that he needs to do to be able to play well in a game. I think as he gets more comfortable understanding defense, he’ll be able to make quicker decisions and he’s gonna be fine.”

As long as the internal clock is good, Milroe and the Alabama offense should be fine against Texas A&M. The Crimson Tide hit the road Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.