Alabama Football: Offense shows growth in home victory

Alabama Football Quarterbacks: B

Jalen Milroe returned to the starting lineup this week, and proved that he can play winning football within the Alabama offense. Milroe was far from perfect, and actually struggled mightily in the first half. However, he settled in the second half, looking genuinely comfortable against a quality opponent for the first time in his Bama career.

He finished with just one turnover, managed the game effectively, hit on explosive plays when they were available, and kept plays alive with his legs. Even his interception was a survivable error, as frustrating as it was. Throwing a pick in the end zone is never good, as it almost certainly takes points off the board, but it sure beats turning the ball over deep in your own territory.

Jalen Milroe finished the game completing 81 percent of his passes for 225 yards and one touchdown. Throughout the first half, he left the pocket too early and took too many sacks. This resulted in him netting just 28 rushing yards, but he was much more effective as a situational runner than the numbers suggest.

Milroe did a better job of staying in the pocket in the second half, which he will have to continue to do going forward. Opposing defenses will start to utilize an athletic linebacker or safety to spy Milroe more often, and he will get himself into trouble if he leaves the pocket too soon.

Instead, he has to stand firm in the pocket and take advantage of the fact that the defense has one less player in coverage, much like he did in the second half against Ole Miss.