He has turned the corner to become a complete quarterback, but Jalen Milroe had a mistake against Vanderbilt last week he would love to have back.
His second interception of the season was one of several plays that assisted Vandy to a 40-35 upset victory.
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Milroe wanted to go to freshman receiver Ryan Williams on a route in zone coverage.
The Commodores defender broke on the pass, tipped the ball in the air, and one of his teammates caught it for an interception. Vanderbilt would return the takeaway for a touchdown, pushing its lead to 13-0 in the first quarter. Vandy had the momentum inside FirstBank Stadium from that moment and kept it throughout the game. Some felt a pass interference flag should have been thrown as the defender appeared to have come over Williams’ back too early for the play, but Milroe took all responsibility.
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe on the pick-6 early in the Vandy game.
The ball was intended for Ryan Williams:
“I should have had better ball judgment. I have to read the coverages better. That’s on me. I should not have put Ryan in that situation.”@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/3bFpdxYDPj
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) October 6, 2024
“He did a good job,” Milroe said about Vandy’s defender on the pick-six. “I have to have better eye discipline and read the coverages better. That is on me. I have to have better ball dominance and protect the football. I take all ownership of that because I should not have put Ryan in that situation. I should have gotten through my progression.”
Milroe continues to show impeccable leadership as a team captain.
He played against the Commodores, completing 76 percent of his passes (19 of 25 passes completed) for 312 yards and two total touchdowns. The interception was costly, but he will learn from it. Milroe now turns his attention to face South Carolina.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
