Tim Tebow praises Jalen Milroe, cites success on broken plays as an X-factor vs. Texas

Tim Tebow understands the pressure and expectations for a high-level SEC quarterback, and he didn’t envy Alabama’s Jalen Milroe having to step in and make the first start for the Crimson Tide post-Bryce Young. But Milroe showed Tebow he’s more than up to the challenge.

On the “Paul Finebaum Show” ahead of a blockbuster matchup between Alabama and Texas on Saturday, Tebow said Milroe’s playmaking could be the difference in the game. He’ll need to be solid passing again, but his ability to break the game — and the defense’s spirit — with punishing scrambles and runs could be the difference, Tebow said.

“And for him to show up, five touchdowns, handle — I think have a lot of pocket presence on third down, didn’t force the run but when he needed to on some broken plays, he showed that he’s one of the best athletes on the field and I really think night that might be one of the X factors, is Jalen’s ability on some of those broken plays to be the best athlete,” Tebow said. “Every now and then you can go from being quarterback to, ‘OK Jalen, let it rip. Show everybody you’re a legit 4.4, you’re 220 pounds and you can run over most linebackers. And I think that’s something where if you’re [Nick] Saban, you’re Tommy [Rees] tomorrow night, it’s like, ‘Hey we love how much you’ve improved in the pocket. But there’s going to be a couple plays, hey, go out there and be the best athlete on the field.”

Milroe finished 13-for-18 passing for 194 yards and added three touchdowns, but Alabama didn’t ask him to do much of anything in the intermediate passing game. The bulk of his attempts were side-to-side throws to let playmakers get the ball in space; his touchdowns came on some shot plays down the field.

But it was his ability to take a broken play — his first score was a rushing touchdown after a bad snap — and turn it into something positive that left Tebow impressed.

If Milroe can pull rabbits out of hats against Texas, it could give Alabama the edge it needs to hold on at home.

“I loved it man, I loved his performance. You don’t have more pressure than when you’re the starting quarterback at Alabama and you’re showing up Week 1 and you have to follow Bryce. Heisman Trophy winner. And I just think it’s hard for people to understand how much pressure that everyone is going to view what you do on the first drive and the second drive and if you’re not good, in the first couple of drives they’re going to somewhat write you off,” Tebow said. “Look at what happened at Georgia. They had a couple drives that didn’t go their way and people are thinking the sky’s falling. And it’s like, no, Carson [Beck] did just fine. He’s going to be fine. Everything is OK. But I thought Jalen handled the pressure so well. He’s such a likable kid. He’s got so much talent.”