Wide receiver for Alabama, Jermaine Burton couldn't help but be amazed by Jalen Milroe after witnessing what he was capable of during practice. The Alabama football practice at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility had left him shaking his head and smiling, confident in Milroe's passing game.
Since his arrival in 2021, Milroe's presence has been felt both on and off the field. His dedication in the weight room translated into an explosive force during run plays, but this season, his dominance has extended to the passing game, becoming the cornerstone of Alabama's offense.
Out of No. 12 Alabama's six passing touchdowns, each one has covered more than 15 yards. Milroe has delivered twelve such throws, with half of them scoring for Alabama. This explosive element has been a saving grace for an offense that currently ranks third-lowest in the conference in per-game point total (30.25).
Under the guidance of new coordinator Tommy Rees, Milroe's passing attempts have been primarily focused on short and intermediate routes, according to PFF. However, his second most common throw is a deep ball, targeting receivers at least 20 yards away. This strategic approach perfectly complements Alabama's formidable running game, forcing defenses to bring defensive backs closer to Milroe and leaving them vulnerable to a long ball.
Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett acknowledged Milroe's ability to launch the ball over the heads of defenders, turning most coverages into man-to-man matchups. With a combination of Milroe's powerful arm and the blazing speed of receivers like Burton, the Tide's passing attack poses a significant threat.
As Milroe prepares for his first road start against the Bulldogs, his long game could secure another monumental SEC victory for Alabama. Mississippi State's defense has struggled to contain long passes, allowing opposing quarterbacks to average 8.5 yards per attempt and conceding a staggering 1,120 yards in just four games.
The success of Alabama's passing offense heavily relies on the speed and talent of its receiving corps. Led by Burton's eight catches and 189 yards, this unit has established a strong connection with Milroe. Their chemistry could prove pivotal in this upcoming matchup, especially considering Burton's spectacular performance against Mississippi State last year, where he recorded 197 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior defensive back Malachi Moore attested to Milroe's strength and his deep understanding of his receivers. The precision of Milroe's throws, like the one that led to Burton's exceptional catch against Ole Miss, highlights his ability to connect with his targets in ways that only they can anticipate.
Jalen Milroe's rise as Alabama's starting quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable. His unrivaled strength and accuracy have transformed the Tide's passing game into a dominant force. As he embarks on his first road start against Mississippi State, the stage is set for Milroe and his receiving corps to shine once again, exploiting the Bulldogs' vulnerabilities and securing another potential SEC dub.
