Confidence is the most important trait of a football player, regardless of position, but especially at quarterback.
Jalen Milroe, a redshirt junior, has sounded confident in interviews, but the Alabama starting quarterback has not played confidently since the Crimson Tide’s meeting against Georgia. He looked okay versus Vanderbilt, but struggled in meetings with South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri. Missouri was the first matchup all season where the native Texan did not record a touchdown pass. No one can place what truly has happened with Milroe, but we all know he looks off from where he was.
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The best medicine for this is a bounce back performance against a marquee team on a big stage. Alabama has that for Saturday at Tiger Stadium versus Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. Whoever loses this game is out of the 12-team College Football Playoff picture. Milroe has been on some big stages, but he will encounter something different in “Death Valley.”
Jayden Daniels, a former LSU standout, used the stage against Alabama in 2022 to win the Heisman Trophy.
He collected 277 total yards and three touchdowns in a 32-31 overtime victory over the Crimson Tide. Milroe returned in 2023 as a first-year starter with a stellar performance against the Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. His legs were pivotal in the contest as Milroe totaled four rushing touchdowns and 155 yards on the ground. Alabama earned a 42-28 win and Milroe got a boost of confidence for the remainder of the regular season. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder just needs to play his game. He does not need to concern himself with trying to impress NFL scouts or even get himself back into the Heisman Memorial Trophy conversation.
Milroe’s responsibility is to lead his team to a victory, regardless of what it looks like. Whether it comes with his feet or arm, he has to put it all on the line versus LSU. He’s had a bye week to rest up, get healthy, and reflect on what he needs to do to improve.
How LSU defensive front will present challenge for Alabama OL
Milroe can regain a lot of confidence by sitting down with Nick Sheridan, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, and break down how the Tide can effectively attack LSU’s defense. When he has been able to run the ball, Milroe has played freely in the offense.
He has not been able to step into his deep ball throws, which has caused that part of his game to be inaccurate.
Milroe was arguably the best deep ball passer in college football last year. He needs that area of his skill set versus LSU and for the rest of the regular season. If the offensive line can create opportunities for him in the run and pass game, Milroe should return to the player we saw versus Georgia and Wisconsin. He tends to play at his best when the stakes are at their highest. Milroe will have that moment on Saturday versus LSU at Tiger Stadium. Milroe has to connect on short, intermediate, and deep ball passes to regain confidence. He also must have operation of his athleticism, while having the right decision-making to share carries with running backs. Milroe needs to be at his finest if the Tide wants to remain the College Football Playoff hunt for a spot.
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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.
