Longhorns Reveal Plan for Alabama QB Jalen Milroe: 'Make Him Pass!'
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns are likely breathing a sigh of relief that they don't have to face Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young this time around when they meet the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
But that feeling might be short-lived once the defense looks to the other side at new Tide starter Jalen Milroe, who showed off his impressive dual-threat ability in Alabama's season-opening win over Middle Tennessee State.
When asked on Monday how to contain a dual-threat quarterback, Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron had to sit back and contemplate on a question he admitted he "loved." Maybe this is a good sign for how the Longhorns defense plans to attack the prep for Saturday's gameplan along with their confidence in executing it.
"I love that question, just to kind of play with him because he can do so much," Barron answered. "He has a great arm, but he can also run, so just to disrupt him. And I think once we can disrupt him, that'll make him pass the ball and that's what we want."
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Milroe, a native of Katy (Houston), Texas, stands 6-2, 220 and is electric in the open field thanks to his solid speed and strong build. If the Longhorns allow him to get out and run on Saturday, it could be a long evening.
The "make him pass" cliche in football can oftentimes be seen as an insult to quarterbacks, but it's more of a compliment to Milroe's unique ability. Not known as a natural pocket pass, the Longhorns feel better with him putting the ball up in the air for grabs instead of picking up first down after first down with his legs.
Considering Milroe threw three picks in eight appearances last season while also struggling with efficiency, this seems like the recipe for success.
However, he has more carries (53) than completions (47) in his collegiate career, one of which was a 77-yard touchdown run last season. The game-breaking ability is obvious, and the Longhorns are prepared. But it's oftentimes tough to stop something even when everyone in the stadium knows what's coming.
The Texas defense will see how it stacks up on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT.
