Alabama football’s loss to Tennessee could have been a major moment in UA quarterback Jalen Milroe’s Heisman Trophy campaign. Instead, the 24-17 loss in Knoxville was one of his worst performances.
Milroe threw two interceptions, including one on the Crimson Tide’s final drive, which sealed the Tennessee victory. Afterward, he took the blame for UA’s offensive struggles.
“I gotta do better on my end,” Milroe said. “Playing with better detail and communication up front, and allowing our guys to line up properly with the communication, so going back, that’s something that we’re just going to build and get better at.”
Alabama’s defense played well enough to win the game. However, the offense was stagnant much of the way, unable to capitalize on its opportunities.
Milroe’s first interception came early in the game. He tried to throw a fade to Ryan Williams in the end zone, but misplaced the throw, sending an ugly pick to UT’s Jermod McCoy.
The quarterback was under duress much of the way, but still didn’t perform especially well. He completed 25 of 46 attempts, for 239 yards, a touchdown and the two interceptions.
The Volunteers were also able to limit his ability on the ground. Milroe finished with just 11 yards rushing, and, adjusted for sacks, Alabama managed just 80 yards total on the ground.
After the game, Milroe was asked how he would assess his own efforts in the loss.
“That’s something I can improve on,” Milroe said. “We harp on just giving our guys a chance. They’re very explosive with the ball. So just putting it in range with them, and then just trusting in them, because I know they’re going to make big plays when the ball is in range, so that’s certainly something I have to improve on.”
After the loss, it could be tough sledding for Alabama to earn a CFB berth. If it sufferers a third loss, it would almost certainly be eliminated from contention.
With tough matchups against Missouri and LSU coming up, the Crimson Tide is going to need Milroe operating at his ceiling, which remains among the top quarterbacks in college football.
“We’ve got to have a starving mindset,” Milroe said. “To want to get better, want to grind, want to be the best version of ourselves, want to be the best offense in the country. And a lot is still out there with the right mindset.”
Alabama returns to action Saturday against Missouri at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
