Tim Tebow explains what has changed for Alabama since Texas loss

Alabama took Week 2’s loss to Texas personally. Since tasting defeat, the Crimson Tide have rattled off six consecutive wins and have shown no signs of slowing down heading into Week 10’s blockbuster matchup vs. LSU.

To Tim Tebow, not only has the defense grown up — but Alabama’s most important player, Jalen Milroe, has stepped up when his team has needed him the most. Those around him have followed his lead.

“I know a lot of people have been frustrated or sick of Alabama’s success because they’ve been so dominant for so long, but let’s just be honest guys — they’re still in the mix just as much as anybody else is,” Tebow said on SportsCenter Saturday morning. “Their loss was a really good loss, they battled back and they’ve improved every single week.

“Their defense is one of the best in the country. The offense is improving and their offense is playing the best in the second half, and they’re continuing to get better. The more Jalen Milroe plays, the better he gets and the more he’s able to understand when and how to use his athleticism. Now, they’re having their young receivers continue to step up and make plays. This defense and especially the defensive line has been getting after the quarterback.”

There have been a couple of close calls along the way, including one-score wins over Texas A&M and Arkansas, respectively, not to mention the ugly 17-3 win over USF during the week following the Texas loss.

Still, the Crimson Tide stepped up in a big way in order to defeat Tennessee 34-20 last week and look to carry that momentum into Saturday’s rivalry matchup against the Tigers. Milroe went on to throw for 220 yards and two touchdowns during the contest, but more will be needed out of him against LSU’s high-powered offense led by one of the most dynamic players in the country in Jayden Daniels.

Regardless, Alabama keeps winning and are now four spots away from asserting themselves back into the College Football Playoff picture after the inital rankings.

“As much fatigue as there is for Bama — listen,” Tebow continued. “People need to understand they’re still right in the mix another year.”

Saturday’s opening kickoff between the two ranked SEC squads is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET live on CBS. The Crimson Tide are three-point favorites, per Vegas Insider. The over/under total is set at 60.5 points.