Brisket and Buc-ee's: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe is Heading Back Home to Texas
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Jalen Milroe spent his high school years at Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas 81 miles from the campus of Texas A&M. And as No. 12 Alabama (4-1, 2-0 SEC) prepares to play the Aggies (4-1, 2-0 SEC) on the road this weekend, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the Crimson Tide quarterback.
"Texas is a great place," Milroe said Monday. "That’s where I was born and raised. I’m from Texas, love Texas. I will have a lot of family there. It’s going to be a great game, great atmosphere down in Texas."
Milroe made his first career start against Texas A&M last season in place of the injured Bryce Young, but the game was in the friendly confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium. He was on the roster for games at Kyle Field in College Station and Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin, but did not see playing time in either of the Tide's previous trips to Texas during his time at Alabama.
So this Saturday will be Milroe's first opportunity to play in front of his home state, and in a huge moment for his team. Texas A&M is not currently ranked after dropping an early non-conference game to Miami, but Nick Saban said the Aggies are playing the best they have all year. The game will determine sole possession of first place in the SEC West.
"We have a challenge this week, big opponent," Milroe said. "They have a great defense, great offense. So we’re excited. We have to prepare as much as possible. We’re just trying to grow every single day this week."
Katy is a suburb west of Houston. Milroe was asked for food recommendations for any fans (or media members) that might be traveling to College Station via Houston this weekend. He shared that there are "a lot of food options in Texas," but when pressed while walking off the stage during Monday's press conference Milroe said he prefers Texas brisket to pulled pork and recommended everyone stop at Buc-ee's, the mega-sized gas station chain that is based out of Texas.
Alabama and Texas A&M will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS this Saturday.
