Nick Saban Names Jalen Milroe as Alabama’s Starting QB Heading Into SEC Play

Alabama redshirt sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe will start for the Crimson Tide on Saturday against No. 15 Ole Miss, head coach Nick Saban told reporters Monday.

"Jalen really showed the leadership that I was looking for during the game in terms of supporting his teammates and doing the things he needed to do," Saban said. "He's had the opportunity to play, so (have) the other guys. Jalen played the best of all those guys. So I think he's earned the opportunity to be the quarterback."

The 12th-ranked Crimson Tide (2-1) are outside of the AP Top 10 for the first time since 2015 after losing to No. 3 Texas in Week 2 and ranking 83rd nationally in total offense (367.7 yards per game).

Milroe didn't play in Alabama's 17-3 Week 3 win over South Florida, but he started in each of the first two games this season. In a 56-7 win over Middle Tennessee, he was 13-for-18 for 194 yards and three touchdowns, plus two rushing touchdowns. In a 34-24 loss to Texas, he was 14-of-27 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Tyler Buchner started last weekend, but he went 5-for-14 passing for only 34 yards. All five drives he led ended with a punt. Then Ty Simpson took over at quarterback, going 5-for-9 for 73 yards plus 20 yards rushing to lead Alabama out of a 3-0 deficit to win, 17-3, and improve to 2-1 headed into SEC play.

Alabama hosts Ole Miss Saturday at 3:30 p.m.