Kalen DeBoer was unwavering in his support for Jalen Milroe, even as the Alabama quarterback faced a stormy start in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan.
Milroe’s Early Struggles
As the rain poured down in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, Milroe’s performance took a turn for the worse. In the first quarter, he was responsible for four turnovers—two lost fumbles, an interception, and a fourth-down sack. These blunders allowed the Wolverines to seize an early 16-0 lead within the game’s first 13 minutes.
DeBoer’s Confidence in Milroe
Despite the alarming start, DeBoer never considered benching Milroe in favor of sophomore backup quarterback Ty Simpson. “No, I didn’t,” DeBoer stated after the game. “I just felt like there were still things he did well, like we scored a field goal. With him using his legs, we went 95-plus yards in less than a minute. So just that factor and what we needed with him and his mobility added to the run game, I felt like that was the swap right there.”
Milroe’s Performance Overview
Milroe managed to turn things around somewhat, helping to ignite Alabama’s offense in the latter part of the game. He connected with tight end Robbie Ouzts for a 25-yard touchdown, narrowing Michigan’s lead to 16-7 with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter. Following that, Milroe showcased his athleticism with a 41-yard run, setting up a 24-yard field goal by Graham Nicholson, bringing Alabama within striking distance at 16-10 by halftime.
The Impact of Turnovers
However, the early mistakes proved too daunting to overcome. Milroe finished the game with a 16-of-32 passing performance for 192 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His rushing game was stifled, netting only seven yards on 16 carries, as he faced relentless pressure, resulting in five sacks throughout the match.
DeBoer on Milroe’s Determination
DeBoer acknowledged that while Milroe struggled, there were still glimpses of potential. “So, (with) the interception early, and a lot of the incompletions happened in downs and distances that weren’t favorable or (our) back’s to the wall and had to throw the ball at the end of the first half, end of the second here,” he explained. “But I think there were still a lot of good plays that he made too.” He also added, “I saw, I guess, a fighter, the fight in his eyes. And as long as I see that, I want to hang in there with the guys that this program means a lot to.”
Jordan Rodgers Critiques Milroe’s NFL Readiness
As Alabama grapples with the aftermath of their loss to Michigan, speculation arises about Milroe’s future. Many believe he is leaning toward entering the 2025 NFL Draft, but SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers has reservations. During a conversation with Paul Finebaum, Rodgers expressed his belief that Milroe is not yet ready for the professional level.
The Case for Milroe to Return
“Look, he’s not going to come back, I don’t think. But I think he absolutely should come back,” Rodgers stated. “Because you didn’t see growth this year. You didn’t see a guy develop as more than just an athlete.” He acknowledged Milroe’s dynamic abilities, especially his impressive runs, but emphasized the need for improvement in his passing game. “Some of the stuff that he does is unbelievable. But he did not develop as a passer from in the pocket.”
Milroe’s Season Statistics
Looking at the numbers, Milroe’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. He finished with 2,652 passing yards, throwing for 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. On the ground, he was more effective, rushing for 719 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. These stats highlight his dual-threat capability, but they also raise questions about his consistency as a passer.
The Road Ahead for Alabama
As the dust settles from their bowl game defeat, Alabama must evaluate its quarterback situation moving forward. Will Milroe take the leap to the NFL, or will he return to refine his skills and lead the Tide in the 2025 season? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the college football world will be watching closely.
