Nick Saban admits he thought about taking Jalen Milroe out vs. Texas
Nick Saban played three quarterbacks against Middle Tennessee State. Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner, and Ty Simpson all got opportunities in the season opener. Against Texas, the final two did not see the field. Through some tough times, Alabama stuck with Milroe.
During his postgame press conference, Saban was asked if he ever thought about making a switch at quarterback. He admitted the thought crossed his mind but after a go-ahead touchdown drive Milroe put together in the third quarter, Saban never brought it up to his assistants.
In the end, Milroe wound up making a crucial mistake that saw Texas stockpile their lead and make it a double-digit ballgame.
“I did but when he put the drive together to score when we got ahead — I thought that gave him a lot of confidence,” Saban said. “But we never ever discussed it. I can’t sit here and say the thought doesn’t come to mind for any player that’s having a difficult time.
“But he made some good plays at the end of the game and that was good to see. Obviously, the interception was critical in the game. So, we’re just going to try to work to get all of our players better.”
Late in the third quarter, Milroe threw a 49-yard touchdown to Jermaine Burton, a play you thought could potentially open the floodgates. Alabama went up by a field goal then, their first lead of the entire night. This gave Saban enough confidence to keep Milroe in the game instead of making a potential fourth-quarter switch.
Well, Milroe wound up throwing an interception on his next throw, setting Texas up at the five-yard line. Jonathon Brooks punched the ball in one play later, giving the Longhorns a double-digit lead in the blink of an eye.
At that point, the time for a quarterback change had come and gone. If Alabama was going to come back in any fashion, Milroe would have to be the guy. Ultimately, the Alabama offense fell short and Texas escaped Tuscaloosa with a program-changing win.
Milore wound up completing 14 of his 27 passes, going for 255 yards. His two passing touchdowns were canceled out by two interceptions, allowing Texas to put 10 points up on the board — the difference in the ball game.
Saban may consider a few different looks heading into next week with Alabama going on the road to USF. The following week will be an important one with Ole Miss opening up SEC play.