Alabama is preparing to face Kentucky on Saturday, the first game after the Tide's 42-28 trouncing of LSU. That win kept Alabama in the title picture with only three regular season games left, but it also put a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Milroe.
The sophomore had a poor start to the season, including turning the ball over twice in a September loss to Texas, but after running for four touchdowns against LSU, college football analysts are taking Milroe much more seriously, especially as a threat on the ground.
After such success, should fans expect the offensive game plan to revolve around QB runs moving forward? Not so fast, head coach Nick Saban said in his regular appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."
Instead, the Tide's offensive identity will depend on the defense, he explained, citing Milroe's other strength: throwing deep passes that utilize the speed Alabama has at wide receiver.
"You know, we want to take what the defense gives. So, in certain cases, [Milroe's] running ability is going to be a factor for us and we want to utilize that as best we can,” Saban explained. “In other cases, the skill guys and the arm talent that he has is something that we can take advantage of. So it’s kind of a combination of both, you know, moving forward."
"We always wanna take what the defense gives..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 9, 2023
It's gonna be a combination of Jalen Milroe's running ability and arm talent moving forward"
Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NkWWhzAT3O
Is Saban just keeping his cards close to his vest about upcoming offensive strategies? Perhaps. But unfortunately for defensive coordinators, Alabama can win on the ground and through the air. This week, Kentucky might just have to pick its poison and hope for the best.
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