Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has emerged as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated record against SEC opponents, he has earned a spot in the highly anticipated SEC Championship game against the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs this Saturday. But Milroe's journey to this point was far from easy.
The offseason at Alabama was marked by a fierce quarterback competition, with Milroe battling it out against Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner. In the first three weeks of the season, the atmosphere in Tuscaloosa was quite different from what it is now, with Milroe at the helm of their improved offense.
“Seems like a dream, not always a good dream, but a dream that I never quit believing would become a reality,” Milroe told ESPN. “From where I was, the way I was doubted — and even some people in this building [Alabama’s football complex] doubted me — it truly blows my mind to where it’s all led to, and the best part, where it’s led to for our team.”
Despite being named the starter at the beginning of the regular season and delivering a stellar performance with five touchdowns against Middle Tennessee State, Milroe faced setbacks. In a 10-point loss to Texas at home, he threw two interceptions and was sacked five times, leading to his benching in the next game against South Florida. Coaches wanted to assess the potential of Simpson and Buchner.
“I was told I would never be the starting quarterback at Alabama,” Milroe said. “I’ve been told I was not smart enough to play the position. I’ve been told everything. Even when I was named the starter at the beginning of the season, I don’t think a lot of people thought I would keep it, and if I did, that we were going to have a bad season. So, yes, I’ve faced a lot of obstacles. The main thing is the right people believed in me, here at Alabama and within my family, and I remained grounded in believing in who I am."
"That takes you a long way."
After lackluster performances from the backup quarterbacks in a peculiar 17-3 victory over USF, the decision was made to entrust Milroe with leading Alabama's offense going forward.
Milroe's leadership propelled the Crimson Tide to a remarkable nine-game winning streak. Throughout the season, he showcased his versatility with 2,526 passing yards, 439 rushing yards, and a total of 33 touchdowns. Now, he aims to build on his impressive season and create an even more remarkable story as Alabama goes head-to-head with Georgia in the SEC Championship game on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET in Atlanta.
As fans eagerly await this thrilling matchup, Jalen Milroe's inspiring rise as a dual-threat quarterback shines as a testament to his perseverance, talent, and the unwavering belief of those who supported him. The stage is set for Milroe to leave a lasting impact in the SEC Championship game and continue his remarkable journey.
