Paul Finebaum: Jalen Milroe is a potential Heisman finalist, can lead Alabama to CFP but doubts national title

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe has further impressed many over the past week or so since SEC Media Days. That includes Paul Finebaum with what he thinks the Crimson Tide quarterback can achieve as a player and for his team this season.

Finebaum spoke about Milroe during his appearance on ‘Get Up’ for ESPN on Friday. His expectation is that Milroe excels again this fall, even to the point of contending for The Heisman Trophy. In doing so, that will be what can send ‘Bama back to the College Football Playoff.

“I think he’s going to be great,” said Finebaum. “I think he has enough ability to be a Heisman finalist and to lead Alabama to the playoffs and beyond.”

Milroe is coming off his first year as the starting quarterback for Alabama. He developed throughout his sophomore season to the point of totaling 3,365 yards, 2,834 in passing and 531 in rushing. His arm got progressively better with him finishing with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions, including only one from the start of November on, on 65.8% completion. He also kept his success with his legs too with a dozen more scores on the ground.

That kind of production or more could certainly get Milroe to New York and lead Alabama well into the postseason, especially in an expanded playoff. It was part of an effort that won them the SEC Championship and got them into the four-team field last year.

However, Finebaum doesn’t see it going much further than that for the Crimson Tide. As great as Milroe could be, the team’s defense, specifically on the back end, is holding them back from being a potential favorite among the 12 berths.

“The problem I have with Alabama is not Jalen Milroe. It’s the defense,” said Finebaum. “The secondary is very thin and that’s the key to winning big games in the end.”

“I don’t think Alabama has enough,” Finebaum said.

It’s easy to envision a junior season where Milroe pops statistically again, especially within the offense of Kalen DeBoer, where individual accomplishment would be available to him. It just may not be enough for Alabama, though, in regards to winning another national title.

“They’re a playoff team but I don’t think they’re going to win the national championship, even though Jalen Milroe is good enough to lead them,” stated Finebaum.

Milroe explains why he turned down multiple ‘big-time offers’ to remain at Alabama

When Nick Saban announced his retirement, hat left things in flux for many Alabama players, including QB Jalen Milroe.

According to ESPN, Milroe fielded multiple “big-time offers” from other programs. Ultimately, though, he decided to remain at Alabama, which he explained on Thursday while on ‘First Take’.

“No. 1 – I didn’t want to make an emotional decision,” Milroe said. “Everything that I do, everything is thought out. And also not leaning on my own understanding. Faith really came into the picture when it came to that situation. Also family.”

“I separate my life into three pillars: faith, family and football. That was something that was impacting my decision. Number one faith, two family. Not leaning on my own understanding, just trying to get some advice through that process because it was a hard decision.”

Milroe indicated he never really seriously considered leaving, even with Nick Saban departing.

“Not at all. Not at all. So, prior to going to college, I told my parents, ‘Hey, no matter the situation, no matter if I start my first year in college, second year, third year, I’m going to get my degree in three years,’” Milroe explained. “I was able to achieve that this past December. At my graduation, I gave a speech to everybody and I told them that of course I’m coming back, staying my next season in college, and I would get my Master’s degree next December despite any challenges. This was before Coach Saban retired and I’m all about staying committed to my goals.”

“My goal is to get my Master’s degree from the University of Alabama. It’s definitely a hard task but, with everything, it’s all about goal-setting for yourself. And I just felt ultimately Alabama was the place I need to be at and nothing was going to allow me to move away from that.”