After a dominant 52-7 victory over Mercer, Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer had mixed feelings. While he was satisfied with his team’s performance, particularly after a hard-fought win over LSU the previous week, he issued a subtle but direct warning to his quarterback, Jalen Milroe. Despite the blowout win, DeBoer remained focused on improving areas where Milroe had room for growth, particularly his passing accuracy.
Milroe, who had an overall solid performance, threw for 186 yards with two touchdowns, but he also missed a few key throws that could have been costly against stronger competition. His rushing ability was on display as he added a rushing touchdown and 43 yards on the ground. However, DeBoer was not entirely pleased with Milroe’s performance, specifically pointing out a few overthrown passes that could have easily been completed.
“I want to see those throws completed,” DeBoer remarked after the game. “Let’s make those throws and completions. They are putting a lot of guys toward the line of scrimmage, and that’s why we are getting behind them.”
Milroe’s missed targets and overthrown passes, though not disastrous against an inferior Mercer team, are issues that could have serious repercussions against stronger SEC opponents in the coming weeks. DeBoer made it clear that while the victory was important, there was still work to be done, especially with the College Football Playoff picture in mind. Mistakes that go unchecked against weaker teams may not be so forgivable when Alabama faces the likes of Oklahoma, Auburn, or potential postseason opponents.
Despite the concerns regarding Milroe’s consistency in the passing game, the team’s overall offensive performance was impressive. The Crimson Tide, with a well-rounded attack, were able to dominate Mercer from start to finish. DeBoer’s offense executed well on the ground and in the air, but he knows that when the stakes rise in SEC play and beyond, the Tide will need their quarterback to be more precise and efficient.
Alongside Milroe’s performance, the continued development of Alabama’s young talent, like freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, is also a point of focus for DeBoer. Williams, who has garnered national attention for his exceptional talent and maturity despite his age, has been a rising star in Alabama’s passing game. Though he didn’t put up eye-popping numbers against Mercer, DeBoer praised the freshman for his work ethic and consistent approach.
“He’s a player that comes to work every day. Nothing goes to his head,” DeBoer said of Williams. “He’s about the team. He really is. And when we call on him or when we need him to make a play, he’s ready, and he’s just consistent each and every day. There’s just a maturity about him that’s well beyond his years.”
With Williams continuing to grow, and Milroe needing to sharpen his passing game, Alabama’s offense has a solid foundation for the stretch run. However, the Crimson Tide’s ultimate success in the postseason will depend on Milroe’s ability to execute with precision. DeBoer’s warning to his quarterback wasn’t just about the Mercer game, but about the bigger picture — securing a playoff spot and making a run at the national championship.
Looking ahead, Alabama’s schedule becomes significantly tougher. The Crimson Tide will face Oklahoma on the road in Norman on November 23, followed by the always heated Iron Bowl against Auburn the following week. Both games will be crucial, and any lingering issues with Milroe’s accuracy could come back to haunt Alabama as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
In summary, while Alabama’s win over Mercer was never in doubt, Coach DeBoer’s message to Jalen Milroe was clear: the quarterback needs to clean up his passing game if the Crimson Tide hope to make a deep run into the College Football Playoff. With Alabama still in the hunt for an SEC Championship and a playoff berth, every game from here on out will be a test of how well Milroe can rise to the occasion.
