Alabama Football: The next step in Jalen Milroe’s evolution

Alabama Football quarterback Jalen Milroe likely had the best game of his career in last week’s win over LSU. In a primetime setting in Bryant-Denny Stadium, Milroe ran for career-highs of 155 yards and four touchdowns while avoiding turnovers and managing the offense in a 42-point performance.

LSU’s defensive approach coming out of the bye week was obvious; the coaching staff was concerned about its depleted secondary and was cautious of Milroe’s potency throwing the deep ball. As a result, LSU over-committed to limiting Alabama’s vertical passing game by keeping safeties over the top of the Crimson Tide receivers.

Because of this, Milroe didn’t post the most impressive passing numbers, but he was the key cog in a Bama running game that put up season-bests of 288 yards, 6.3 yards per carry, and six touchdowns.

Alabama Football: No longer a one-dimensional offense

There was a narrative at the beginning of the season that Bama’s offense was a one-dimensional offense that lacked a passing game. Jalen Milroe was dubbed a “running back playing quarterback,” and opposing defenses began to try to stack the box.

Milroe’s performance against Texas A&M, passing the ball downfield for 321 yards and three touchdowns, led Alabama to a win even as it rushed for just 23 yards. Furthermore, it proved that this defensive strategy would not be successful against Alabama Football.

Comically, another narrative began to sprout. This one claimed that Milroe was a one-trick pony that could only throw the deep ball. At that point in the season, he hadn’t even been much of a threat as a runner.

In a win over Tennessee, the Alabama offense began to show balance. Milroe completed just one deep ball, but showed progress on his intermediate passing and appeared to be a more willing runner.

Finally, against LSU, Bama fans saw the Milroe they anticipated heading into the season. He wasn’t just a running threat, he was the primary running threat, and he looked unstoppable.

With this aspect of his game now fully incorporated, as well as some increased creativity from offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, the sky’s the limit for Jalen Milroe and this Alabama offense.

Opponents now have to gameplan for Milroe’s running ability, something the LSU defense didn’t appear to consider. However, they won’t be able to take away everything. Milroe led Bama to 42 points despite having an off day as a passer. He didn’t complete a single deep ball, as his longest pass in the air was roughly 20 yards.

Bama fans already know how proficient Milroe is on the deep ball. Statistically, he’s the best in the country and one of the best in recent memory at airing it out. Will Kentucky concede the bomb on Saturday? Or will it let Milroe run wild again?

It took nine games, but Jalen Milroe has finally shown it all. As a result, the offense for Alabama Football has developed into a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. From here on out, it’s going to be pick your poison against Milroe and the Bama offense.