Georgia vs. Alabama: Greg McElroy points out biggest key for Jalen Milroe vs. Bulldogs

Saturday night, the biggest game of the college football season will take place in Tuscaloosa. That’s when Georgia will take on Alabama in a rematch of last year’s SEC Championship – and all eyes will be on Jalen Milroe for the Crimson Tide.

Milroe had a big game in the SEC title game last year to lead Alabama to the victory in Atlanta. He threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns to lead the charge, but had just 29 yards on the ground. Known for his running ability, he might need to make plays with his legs in Saturday’s rematch, according to Greg McElroy.

McElroy said Alabama could use quarterback runs to help open up the passing game. By getting Milroe on the move and making Georgia defend the run, he argued the deep ball would become a strong option for the Crimson Tide. Considering Milroe’s ability to throw the ball down the field, that could be a key to victory.

“I think just embrace his athleticism,” McElroy told Elle Duncan on SportsCenter when asked about the biggest key for Milroe. “I feel like Jalen’s done a great job through the first three weeks of just acknowledging, ‘Alright, I’m gonna use quarterback runs to my advantage – I am one of the most dangerous players in the country with the ball in my hands, regardless of position. Not exclusive to quarterback. I’m talking anybody. Give me the ball in open spaces, I can make special things happen.’

“I think against this Georgia team, softening them up with the quarterback run is going to be very, very important. And then, after you get a few of those under your belt, you start taking your shots downfield. That’s where Jalen’s really comfortable. Nearly 30% of his attempts travel more than 20 yards downfield. He really enjoys the deep ball, he throws a really nice deep ball. So I think leaning into that after the quarterback run will help this offense really make a lot of plays downfield.”

Milroe is off to a strong start in Kalen DeBoer’s new system at Alabama. He enters Week 5 with 248.5 total yards per game, which ranks ninth in the SEC. His dual-threat ability was on full display last time out against Wisconsin when he threw for 196 yards, ran for 75 and had five total touchdowns – three in the air and two on the ground.

Georgia and Alabama will square off Saturday in primetime at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time in the post-Nick Saban era. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.