Nick Saban starts his national championship quest with a victory as Alabama dominates Middle Tennessee State.
Jalen Milroe, a redshirt sophomore, ended the quarterback conversation. He tied for fourth all-time in Crimson Tide history for total touchdowns (five) in a game. Milroe became the first signal-caller in Alabama history to have three touchdown passes and two rushing scores in a matchup. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 194 yards and did not turn the ball over in a 56-7 victory.
RELATED: Alabama fans react to Crimson Tide win over Middle Tennessee
Alabama had 203 yards rushing against the Blue Raiders and three quarterbacks — Milroe, Tyler Buchner, and Ty Simpson — recorded a rushing touchdown. Jase McClellan was the lone running back to register a rushing score. Isaiah Bond led the wide receiver room with five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. He grabbed a 47-yard bomb from Milroe for a score.
Jermaine Burton had three receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. Amari Niblack had two catches for 49 yards and a score.
Defensively, Kevin Steele had the fire going.
RELATED: Watch: Jalen Milroe tosses a 47-yard TD pass to Isaiah Bond versus MTSU
Alabama gave up seven points and attacked the ball. Caleb Downs, a true freshman, led the team with eight tackles. Deontae Lawson had seven tackles, two for loss, a sack, and a quarterback hurry. He, Chris Braswell, and Quandarrius Robinson each had a sack. Jaylen Key, a transfer from UAB, recorded an interception. Kendrick Blackshire had five tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The Tide forced two turnovers, got off the field on third down, and played with much enthusiasm.
Malachi Moore sustained an injury. Hopefully, he is okay. Alabama will host Texas next week.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
