Nick Saban reveals final message to Jalen Milroe ahead of Rose Bowl

Moments before Alabama kicked the Rose Bowl off against Michigan, head coach Nick Saban was asked what his final message for Jalen Milroe was. It’s something he has preached going back to when Bryce Young was still the starting quarterback, asking Milroe to be a point guard.

Saban clearly has confidence in Milroe, with success building it over the past few months. This week in practice has apparently been a good one, having Saban confident in his quarterback’s ability.

“The same message I have with him all the time,” Saban said during his pregame interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. “Just got to distribute the ball. Do what he does, play within himself. And just be a point guard on a team that helps other people make plays. He’s had a great week. So, we’ve been encouraged by what he’s been able to do.”

Even when the Alabama offense was struggling early in the year, Milroe has been able to produce special moments. His arm talent is undeniable, consistently launching one downfield for a receiver to run onto. Saban will certainly take those moments, being a quick strike.

However, those specific plays are not why Alabama is going to win in Saban’s eyes. He wants his quarterback to let the playmakers go out there and make plays. Especially if Michigan is going to bring pressure, getting the ball out quickly and to the right guy is critical.

With the message from Saban being consistent from quarterback to quarterback, Milroe has certainly learned a lot from the guys before him. Young had been the starter over the last two seasons, soaking up information from the most recent No. 1 overall pick.

“First of all, as quarterbacks, all we want to do is play to the standard, which is the ‘Bama standard at Alabama,” Jalen Milroe said. “Coach Saban did a great job with each of those quarterbacks and developing and getting them to where they ultimately want to go. For me, with those guys the best thing I can do is soak up as much information as possible because they did things the right way when they wore the A. For me, I just try to continuously be better at my craft and be the best version I can be for my team.

“Coach Saban has done a really good job with each of those quarterbacks and developing them and getting them to where they ultimately want to go.”