Jalen Milroe: Alabama's win over LSU was a 'birthday gift' for Nick Saban
As Alabama came out of the bye week and got ready to take on LSU, the Crimson Tide had some celebrating to do. Nick Saban turned 72 years old on Monday, and he knew exactly what he wanted for his birthday: a complete, team performance against the Tigers.
Boy, did he get it. Alabama totaled 507 yards of offense and put up 42 points to come away with the 42-28 victory over LSU at Bryant Denny Stadium. Jalen Milroe was a big part of that, totaling 374 yards — 219 in the air and 155 on the ground — four rushing touchdowns to lead the effort.
The goal, of course, was to beat rival LSU. But Milroe knew there was another reason to get the win.
“No. 1 thing, it was Coach’s birthday this week. So that was a birthday gift right there,” Milroe told CBS’ Jenny Dell with a wink and a smile.
In addition to getting a big win for Saban’s birthday, Milroe said the goal remained the same. The Tide had to avoid getting too far ahead of themselves and just keep getting better.
“The message in the locker room was just one play at a time, constantly wanting to build and grow as we approached the field and as a team, [get a] collective win,” Milroe said. “I’m proud of the guys.”
Of course, there was one more question. Did Saban enjoy his gift?
“I’m good,” Saban said, smiling ear to ear. “Happy birthday.”
Nick Saban raves about how Alabama responded to ‘gut check’ against LSU
With five seconds to play in the first half Saturday night, LSU scored a touchdown to tie things up at 21-21 with Alabama. It was especially important because the Tigers got the ball to start the second half, and they proceeded to score on the first drive out of the break to take a 28-21 lead.
Alabama didn’t back down, though. The Crimson Tide tied the game with a touchdown on the ensuing drive and, after forcing an LSU punt, scored another when Milroe ran in an 11-yard touchdown to re-take the lead.
Saban praised his team’s ability to respond, especially since the defense came through when it mattered.
“The players did a great job in the second half,” Saban said. “Offense did a great job of controlling the ball. Kept the ball away from them. Got a couple big stops on defense when we needed it to go up two scores. That kind of changed the game for us.
“Man, I’m proud of the way our guys competed in the game because it was a tough gut check when they scored right before the half, but they bounced back great in the second half.”