After Wisconsin’s victory, is Jalen Milroe of Alabama a candidate for the Heisman Trophy?
Jalen Milroe raised a fist exiting Camp Randall Stadium through the south end zone. Alabama football’s quarterback was celebrating with the Crimson Tide faithful, who were the last ones populating the bleachers inside Wisconsin’s stadium following UA’s 42-10 victory Saturday.
As he started down the tunnel, a fan in a polo shirt adorned with the Tide’s throwback “A” logo leaned down for a high five. As Milroe obliged, the fan delivered a message.
“Heisman time, dude,” the man yelled down. “Heisman time.”
Milroe laughed and continued on his way. But the fan had a point.
Through three games, Milroe has eight touchdowns through the air, plus another six on the ground. He’s thrown for 590 yards and rushed for another 156.
The redshirt junior from Texas is the focal point of Alabama’s offense. If the Tide keeps playing like it did on Saturday, he’ll at least be in the conversation when it comes time to vote.
“Every time I get to touch the football field, I’m just very blessed,” Milroe said after Saturday’s win. “Very passionate about the game of football. So whenever we have an opportunity to make it explosive, it’s all about having fun. Falling back to why I play the game, just to have fun.”
There’s evidence Milroe wants the trophy. After the Crimson Tide’s epic Iron Bowl victory last season, he shouted “Give me the Heisman,” while celebrating.
He finished sixth in the voting last season. But in 2024, he’ll have a real chance, especially if Alabama can keep up its hot start to the Kalen DeBoer era.
DeBoer has tailored the Alabama offense to Milroe’s strengths. The Tide is attacking teams downfield, using a stable of wide receivers that now includes freshman Ryan Williams and Washington transfer Germie Bernard, both of whom scored touchdowns Saturday.
Alabama is also running more designed runs for the speedy Milroe. Despite a bumpy game against South Florida, where the UA offensive line struggled to protect him, the plan seems perfectly suited to his talents.
A bigger test is coming in two weeks. After an open date for both teams, No. 1 Georgia is set to visit Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28.
Leading the Bulldogs: another Heisman candidate in quarterback Carson Beck. After beating Wisconsin, Milroe discussed how he’ll spend the time.
“This week is a great week to reflect on the games that we’ve had,” Milroe said. “Narrow it down to pillars that we need to work on, so that we can go out on fire when it comes to now playing for an opponent. No matter who we play after the by, this week’s all about cleaning up, falling back to our level of training, dialing in on the details.”
