Alabama fans watch Greg McElroy (2009), AJ McCarron (2012), Jacob Coker (2015), and Mac Jones (2020) have strong performances against LSU to help the Crimson Tide capture a national championship.
Jalen Milroe, a redshirt sophomore, can add to the legacy as he faces a Heisman Trophy contender. Milroe is in a situation former Tide running back Derrick Henry was in during the 2015 season. Alabama suffered an early season loss to Ole Miss and faced LSU inside Bryant-Denny Stadium for a shot to win the SEC West. Henry battled a Heisman frontrunner in Leonard Fournette.
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He got all the conversation from national media, but the Tide’s defense shut Fournette down.
He totaled just 31 yards rushing on 19 carries while Henry pounded the Tigers for 210 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Alabama earned a 30-16 victory and the Heisman Trophy switched hands that night. Could it happen for Milroe against Jayden Daniels? The opportunity is there, especially with how the native Texan has grown as a passer. Milroe has one of the best deep balls in college football, and he seems to thrive in adversity. Ten of his 13 touchdown passes this season have come on throws of 20+ yards. He does not have to be perfect; however, Milroe has relished the thought of making his team better each week.
Daniels, like Fournette, has received all the conversation in terms of the quarterback position. Milroe can use this as fuel to take down an individual who has LSU’s offense averaging 47.4 points per game. Milroe has 18 total touchdowns through eight games.
We will see what he does against the Tigers.
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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.
