Tide Takes: Jalen Milroe has taken the next step under Kalen DeBoer

Every Monday, we present “Tide Takes”, where we’ll get into a different topic on the Crimson Tide, break down the previous game, preview the upcoming game, and everything in between.

The Alabama Crimson Tide claimed a 41-34 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in a game that was billed as the biggest of the season — and certainly lived up to it.

With the Tide going up 28-0 in the first half and leading 30-7 at halftime, it appeared as if a blowout was in the cards before a furious Georgia comeback gave them the lead with just over two minutes to play. The Tide did not blink as Jalen Milroe found Ryan Williams for the biggest play of the season thus far.

While there’s obviously tons to break down from the victory, the biggest takeaway is the step that Jalen Milroe has taken under Kalen DeBoer. Just three weeks ago, we remarked how Milroe seems to have the same issues he has always had including holding onto the ball too long and not being decisive enough.

Milroe was the opposite of indecisive on Saturday night, not taking a single sack against the vaunted Bulldogs front, making quick decisions and more importantly making the right play:

Jalen Milroe’s explosiveness and elusiveness are such a cheat code in Kalen DeBoer’s offense. Can just feel his NFL draft stock going up pic.twitter.com/eAjlMN3hXL

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 28, 2024

His 16-yard touchdown pass to Jam Miller in the first quarter was one of the best throws he has made in an Alabama uniform:

jam miller touchdown pic.twitter.com/JDgasrLHAE

— ◇ (@HOODH3RO) September 29, 2024

The hope surrounding Milroe with the arrival of Kalen DeBoer was that he’d be able to take the next step as a quarterback — and he seems to have done just that. DeBoer is maximizing Milroe’s abilities and making him as dangerous as he’s ever been.

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Milroe improved over the course of the season last year as the offense found its footing, but ultimately was still a flawed quarterback. At that time, the offense had a ceiling of what it could be. This game felt different.

Saturday night in Bryant-Denny was the best game Jalen Milroe has played as Alabama’s quarterback. With nearly 500 total yards himself and four total touchdowns to bring himself to the forefront of the Heisman trophy conversation, he was flat-out unstoppable.

Seemingly continuing to improve every week and excelling within DeBoer’s system, the sky could only be the limit for just how good Milroe, and the Alabama offense, can be.