Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron made it clear on Monday what the defensive gameplan was against Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Whether it was smart to reveal this plan is another debate, but Barron proved that it didn't matter after picking off Milroe in the first quarter of Saturday's clash with No. 3 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He returned the interception 16 yards to the Alabama 30-yard line.
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"I love that question, just to kind of play with him because he can do so much," Barron said when asked how to deal with a dual-threat passer like Milroe. "He has a great arm, but he can also run, so just to disrupt him. And I think once we can disrupt him, that'll make him pass the ball and that's what we want."
Unfortunately for Texas, the offense wasn't able to fully capitalize on the takeaway. The Longhorns put together a nice drive to the goal line, but Xavier Worthy dropped an easy touchdown grab on 3rd and goal. Texas instead had to settle for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
Headed into Saturday, Milroe had more carries (53) than completions (47) in his collegiate career, one of which was a 77-yard touchdown run last season. The game-breaking ability is obvious, and the Longhorns are showing early on Saturday that they are prepared. But it's oftentimes tough to stop something even when everyone in the stadium knows what's coming.
The Longhorns will see if they can contain the QB runs as Saturday's contest treads on.
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