Tide continue to roll

The University of Alabama’s starting quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy Winner Bryce Young sustained a shoulder sprain in last Saturday’s contest against The University of Arkansas, causing him to exit the game. This forced backup quarterback Jalen Milroe to come in and fill the void, who lead the Crimson Tide to a 49-26 victory over the Razorbacks.

Milroe completed four of his nine passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, but most of his impact came with his legs. Milroe rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown, including an explosive run that gave the team new life. He gave their offense a different look than they normally have with Young.

Of course Alabama fans wish Young a speedy recovery, and hope to see him on the field as soon as possible, but if Milroe can beat a top 20 team like Arkansas, it brings into question whether or not they need Young to suit up right away. Could Milroe lead the Tide to victory (potentially multiple) until Young is back to his full health? They obviously have enough star power at the skill positions, with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan being a violent one two punch and putting up great numbers out of the backfield. The tide has a more balanced passing attack this year as well, with a wider variety of wide receivers filling the void left by Jameson Williams.

Their defense is of course always going to be stout, and will keep them in games, per usual when coached by a Nick Saban team. This year it is led once again by Heisman candidate Will Anderson Jr. who is having a phenomenal start to his season. All positions aside from the quarterback would still be elite. The Tide are now left with a decision. Do you start an 70 to 75% Bryce Young? Or do you start an 100% Jalen Milroe.

Former Alabama starting quarterback Greg McElroy, who went 24-3 in his career, including leading the team to a national title, believes Milroe is the better option of the two, and makes great points to support his case. Milroe offers an athleticism and explosiveness that Young simply does not have, and is much more dynamic in the run game. He is also a capable enough passer to manage the game, and has the ability to use his legs to scramble when prompted. He can lead the Tide to victory against a sub-par Texas A&M team. 

That is not to say, however, that A&M is a walk in the park. They are well coached, have explosive athletes at all positions, and this game will be their ‘Super Bowl’, especially with all of the off season drama between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher. This is certainly going to add fuel to the fire and add intensity for both players and fans, who are fighting to defend tradition, the team, their reputation, and their coaches. A&M is constantly at the top of the recruiting classes, and has tremendous talent. They are not a team to just gloss over.

If Milroe was to play in place of Young, their offense scheme will undoubtedly be run heavy, most likely involving a lot of designed runs for Milroe. Saban always has tricks up his sleeve, and prepares for any and all situations (just think back to Tua’s entrance into college football). He undoubtedly has an idea of what he would like to do if Milroe were the starter in the next few games. Opposing teams not having an extensive amount of game film on Milroe will absolutely be to the Tide’s advantage. Expect a lot of zone read, Pat White-Steve Slayton West Virginia circa 2007, because Milroe is that caliber of athlete.

The biggest pitfall to Milroe, is experience (or lack thereof). He simply has not played much, hardly at all compared to Young. In the game against Texas, Bryce Young was able to put the team on his shoulders towards the end of the game because of his vast experience playing on the biggest stages. His calm demeanor showed through in that game, and was an indication in large part of why the Tide came out victorious. It would not be out of the realm of possibilities that both quarterbacks dress the game, and Milroe starts. If he were to struggle and they need a bailout, Young could potentially come in as a last resort. Obviously they do not want to risk Young re-injuring that shoulder, or damaging it worse than it already is.

There is not an exact timetable on Young’s return, but they can only hope to have him on October 15, when Alabama faces The University of Tennessee, the number 8 team in the country. This will be their first matchup against a top ten team this season (assuming a Tennessee win this week), and their first real test of the season.