1. Alabama Football: Jalen Milroe connects on two passes of 40+ yards
Jalen Milroe has room to improve as a passer, but he is arguably the most accurate quarterback in the nation on the deep ball. Against a Mississippi State defense that has been shredded through the air, particularly against SEC competition, I expect Milroe to thrive.
In his three appearances, Milroe has produced two completions of 40+ yards just once, against Middle Tennessee State. Still, he always manages to approach this milestone. Against Texas, Milroe delivered completions of 49, 39, and 34 yards. Last week against Ole Miss, he hit a 54-yarder to Jermaine Burton and two 30+ yarders to true freshman Jalen Hale.
The Alabama offense is loaded with deep threats. Burton leads that group, and has made a catch of at least 48 yards in three out of four games this season. Ja’Corey Brooks and Isaiah Bond are also well-established downfield weapons.
With the emergence of Hale and sophomore tight end Amari Niblack, a matchup nightmare with touchdown grabs of 39 and 29 yards this season, Bama has plenty of vertical playmakers.
I fully expect Milroe to dial up at least two big plays in the passing game this week.