Jalen Milroe Cements Himself in Heisman Conversation with ‘Exceptional’ Performance in Win over Georgia
In a thrilling showdown that shook the college football landscape, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe put on a Heisman-worthy display, leading the Crimson Tide to a dramatic 41-34 victory over the No. 2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Milroe’s remarkable performance, which included four total touchdowns and a staggering 491 yards of offense, has sparked serious conversations about his candidacy for college football’s most prestigious award.
Milroe’s stats from the game were impressive: he threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 117 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, he became the first player in Associated Press Poll history to record over 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns against a top-five opponent. This feat underscores not only his dual-threat capability but also his poise in high-pressure situations.
“He was, I think, exceptional,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said, highlighting Milroe’s pivotal role in the game. Alabama appeared to be in control, building a lead as large as 28 points and maintaining an 18-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Bulldogs mounted a fierce comeback, taking their first lead with just over two minutes remaining in the game after a quick 67-yard touchdown drive.
In response, Milroe showcased his composure and playmaking skills, connecting with freshman standout Ryan Williams for a 75-yard touchdown strike, reclaiming the lead for Alabama after a successful two-point conversion. The execution of that play was crucial, as it demonstrated Milroe’s growth as a passer and his ability to deliver under pressure.
DeBoer emphasized Milroe’s improvement, particularly in his decision-making and accuracy. He completed an impressive 82 percent of his passes, finishing the game with 27 completions on 33 attempts. This marked not only his highest number of attempts for the season but also his second-highest completion percentage in any start. Milroe’s rapport with Williams has been evident throughout the season, and their chemistry proved vital in this critical game. Williams, who has quickly emerged as a top target, noted that he often doesn’t need to signal when he’s open—Milroe instinctively knows where to place the ball.
Georgia’s head coach, Kirby Smart, acknowledged the challenge Milroe presented, particularly given their defensive strategy. Despite a game plan aimed at forcing Milroe to throw in the red zone, he adeptly utilized his legs to evade pressure and extend plays, ultimately finding the end zone when it mattered most. Smart remarked on Milroe’s athleticism, emphasizing how difficult it was to contain him both in the air and on the ground.
Post-game, Milroe reflected on his performance, attributing his success to the belief and support from his coaching staff and teammates. “I try to do my best with any play call that’s asked of me,” he stated, embodying the mindset that has propelled him to this level of play. His ability to maximize each opportunity and consistently improve has set a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Through four games, Milroe has accounted for 18 total touchdowns, averaging an impressive four and a half touchdowns per game. If he maintains this pace, he could find himself on track for an extraordinary 72 total touchdowns over the regular season. His consistent ability to produce multiple touchdowns—both passing and rushing—each game positions him as a leading candidate in the Heisman race.
Milroe’s standout performance against Georgia not only showcased his growth as a player but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of Alabama’s offense. DeBoer remarked on the progress made in the passing game, noting that Milroe is beginning to throw receivers open rather than relying solely on wide-open targets. This development will make Alabama a formidable opponent as they progress through the season.
With the Heisman spotlight now firmly on him, Milroe’s journey continues. As he builds on this early-season momentum, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this level of excellence and potentially secure his spot in New York City come December.
