Jalen Milroe has put himself on the map as one of the best quarterback prospects in the nation. The redshirt sophomore has already committed to returning to Alabama next season but will be an intriguing draft pick whenever he does decide to turn pro.
Now that the Crimson Tide has reached the College Football Playoff, Milroe can showcase his talents even further. Going up against a stingy Michigan defense will be one of the toughest tasks this Alabama offense has had all season.
“Coach Saban said a really good thing; he talked about being the point guard with the football,” said Milroe. “That’s the biggest thing going into this game or any game, just being a point guard with the football and doing all that is asked of me for the game plan.”
The dual-threat quarterback threw 23 passing touchdowns and rushed for 12 more this season. In a way, he was the perfect point guard, assisting his teammates while also scoring and getting his own.
Taking care of the ball will be the most important stat for Milroe in the Rose Bowl. After throwing two interceptions in their only loss to Texas in the second week of the season, he has bounced back and only turned the ball over four times in Alabama’s past ten wins. Milroe has thrown seven throwdown passes and zero interceptions over the last three games.
“The biggest thing is preparing the same way as if we were playing any opponent we played all year,” said Milroe. “We have to have a singular focus, attack the day, and have a true mental toughness because we have had a lot of weeks to prepare. You can get complacent because you’re ready for the game and get so anxious to play. The biggest thing is to be where your feet are and take it day by day.”
The Rose Bowl lights should not be too bright for Milroe as he has already stepped up and delivered in back-to-back 27-24 victories over rivals Georgia and Auburn. If he can prove he is a winner on the big stage, Jalen Milroe will solidify himself as the player to watch out for in the Heisman race next year, as well as the 2025 draft.
Lead photo caption: The head football coaches and select players from Michigan and Alabama made their first stop on their way to the 2024 Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, Calif., with a traditional visit to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., Dec. 27, 2023. Before meeting on the field, the teams joined for their first official pregame appearance:?a festive cavalcade on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park. The teams will face off in the 110th?Rose Bowl Game on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Disneyland Resort)
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.