Kalen DeBoer has still been on a hot seat but with better self-worth. I mean, the team took a slight U-turn from a devastating season after their Iron Bowl victory against Auburn Tigers. Alabama outpaced the Tigers in a 28-14 victory that made things a bit better for DeBoer. The social media critics took a short break from throwing fire into the post-Nick-Saban degradation. We all know it will still flare up if the team blows up their slim playoff hope down the road. It’s momentary bliss for the Bama fans, so let’s not break the bubble. But there are slits under the belt that need to be called out to safeguard a scapegoat named Jalen Milroe.

Milroe mounted 24 passes and rushed 17 times. He completed 18 of 24 for 256 yards, with zero touchdowns and a single interception. He fumbled two times. He also rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns. Milroe has had enough of a rollercoaster season. Just a week back, Alabama’s unacceptable loss to Oklahoma exposed the QB’s major slump. Milroe, despite being one of the solid weapons of DeBoer, failed to live up to the hope against the Sooners. Turnover in big games! That has his major flaw. But he’s not the sole problem.

”Milroe just has to do so much. I mean, he’s just now, he can, and he’s got that ability like he’s just got that man when he sticks his foot in the ground and goes, it’s beautiful. I just don’t think you can ask him to do that week after week after week after week, the SEC championship, and if Alabama can get in [playoff], that might be a good rest and recalibrate for them, but to me, the offensive line’s just not good enough,” David Pollack came unfiltered in his college football podcast.

A good quarterback needs proper assistance from the rest of a compact offense. Milroe didn’t get that luxury in the season. Rather, he received constant flakes for over-targeting Ryan Williams earlier in the season. Even ahead of his Auburn night, Tigers’ freshman linebacker Demarcus Riddick made a triggering comment on him. He glossed over Milroe’s ability to make big plays in the big game. The Texas monster gave the answer with his legs despite the O line’s innate knack of not making room for it.

While the win won’t necessarily wipe away the three losses, it gives DeBoer some credibility and helps the team to pitch themselves as a worthy playoff contender. The rest depends on the fate. But DeBoer will possibly agree with Pollack in safeguarding his class QB, Jalen Milroe, at all cost.

Kalen DeBoer can’t get enough of Jalen Milroe following an explosive win

Kalen DeBoer has always been Jalen Milroe’s loudest supporter through all the odds. After a sloppy performance against the Sooners, DeBoer batted for the kid, saying it was not a single man’s fault. It’s a team loss in all senses and forms. When the players signed up for the Bama, they not only just signed up to play their individual part in a game, but they pledged to uphold the team collectively, keeping aside who does less and who does more. So, the locker room aura is clean. Nobody (Jalen Milroe) is to be blamed for a rusty game.

The Week 14 win, however, didn’t stop DeBoer from highlighting Milroe’s contribution to the scoreboard. ”That’s a lot of what he brings to the table. He facilitates a lot of moving parts. Had some good conversions. I know there’s always a play or two that you always want back, but he just continues to stay the course. And just really proud of the way he played tonight, and continue to be resilient, continue to just stay the course and help us win the football game.” 

Whether or not the Tide gets to hit the playoff is a matter of debate, but winning the Iron Bowl is a special token to the Bama tradition on and off the field.