Alabama’s Jalen Milroe: A Dual-Threat Quarterback Preparing for Oklahoma Showdown

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe poses a significant threat to opposing teams due to his dual-threat capabilities. As the No. 7 ranked Crimson Tide prepare to face the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, the presence of Milroe is a focal point for both teams. Historically, Alabama has been a formidable competitor, and with Milroe spearheading the offense, their attack is especially potent.

«Everything goes through the quarterback,» commented Oklahoma’s head coach, emphasizing the central role Milroe plays in Alabama’s strategy. The expanding talents of Milroe, now in his second year as the starting quarterback, have been on full display. In 2023, he accumulated 2,834 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, securing a sixth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. This year, he continues to impress, boasting a 67.5 percent completion rate, with 2,235 yards and 15 touchdowns over 10 games.

Milroe’s partnership with talented wide receivers such as Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Kobe Prentice ensures a robust passing game for Alabama, presenting a significant challenge for Oklahoma’s defense. «They have some pretty good receivers all around,» noted Oklahoma senior defensive back Woodi Washington, acknowledging the diversity of Alabama’s offensive arsenal.

In addition to his passing prowess, Milroe is equally proficient on the ground. The senior quarterback has already racked up 608 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns this season, with two regular season games left to play. In comparison, he achieved 531 yards and 12 touchdowns over 13 games the previous year. Milroe’s ability to perform against top defenses was evident when he surpassed 100 rushing yards in games against Georgia and LSU, amassing six rushing touchdowns across those encounters.

«He’s a very good runner,» remarked Da’Jon Terry, a fifth-year defensive lineman for Oklahoma. «Our main thing’s going to be containing him, so we’ve just got to work well together up front.» Terry’s words underscore the Sooners’ defensive strategy aimed at mitigating Milroe’s impact.

Despite a mid-season slump in October where Milroe threw five interceptions across three games—resulting in losses against Vanderbilt and Tennessee—he has since regained his form. Recently, Milroe has avoided turnovers, contributing to seven total touchdowns in victories over Missouri, LSU, and Mercer.

The upcoming match against Alabama is anticipated to be a formidable challenge for the Sooners. Alabama, boasting an 8-2 record, ranks eighth nationally in scoring offense, averaging 39.5 points per game, and maintains a strong defensive record, allowing only 16.9 points per game. This performance has lifted them to No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Oklahoma, with a 5-5 record, presents a strong defensive front, ranking 24th nationally in yards allowed per game and eighth in the SEC. However, the inclusion of a dynamic player like Milroe in Alabama’s lineup adds complexity to the Crimson Tide’s already formidable stature.

«You’re not gonna luck up and win this game,» remarked Oklahoma’s coach Venables, stressing the need for a strategic approach to contain Milroe and Alabama’s running game. «Certainly the run game and the quarterback, containing him, if you will, permitting him from having a career-type day is paramount. But they’ve been really opportunistic.»