Kalen DeBoer’s Era Hits Jalen Milroe Hard as Nick Saban’s Starboy Channels Michael Penix Jr.’s Magic at Alabama

Sep 19, 2024 | 12:45 PM EDT

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Is Jalen Milroe the next Michael Penix Jr., or is he carving his own legendary path?

It’s a new day in Tuscaloosa, and Kalen DeBoer’s era is getting to Alabama quickly and early. The offense of the Crimson Tide, which is commanded by Jalen Milroe, is something that would look like an explosion of energy. Milroe, who hosts some of the magic that Michael Penix Jr. showed under DeBoer in Washington, has been a revelation. The kid has been throwing darts and making defenses run with receivers, something that wasn’t characteristic of the Bama football team as of late.

DeBoer’s aggressive and positive attitude is bringing changes in a conservative program, which was set by Saban. And it’s working. Milroe’s numbers tell the story: passing yards, 590; passing TDs, 8; and QBR, 77. 1. Those still not sure if DeBoer can carry forward the legacy that Saban forged for the team are sure no more.

For those wondering what Jalen Milroe would look like in Kalen DeBoer’s offense, we’re starting to see similar results as @seniorbowl alum and last year’s No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix.
Checkout the 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 on this👇throw last week…WR is four yards from his… https://t.co/RM0GQ56uze pic.twitter.com/tIyTmiA8sG
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 19, 2024

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Polls of the day

Poll 1 of 2

Who do you think is the better quarterback this season?

Jalen Milroe

Michael Penix Jr.

Both are equally good

Neither

None is as obvious as Milroe’s development under DeBoer as evidence of a changing Alabama offense philosophy. He has been over to throwing bombs with great accuracy. It is similar to what Penix Jr. did with DeBoer in Pac 12, where vertical passing and big play were the order of the day.

That was apparent, especially in the last few minutes of the first half against Wisconsin, when Kalen DeBoer was not afraid to gamble. And with only 36 seconds left before halftime and Alabama leading 14-3, most coaches – especially Saban –would be ok with letting the first half expire. But DeBoer? He went for it. It is, however, significant to appreciate the efforts made in making this dream come true by paying off big.

Kalen DeBoer’s bold play-calling: a new tide

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But for Jalen Milroe, it has been a blessing to have DeBoer’s offense. He has been airing it like Penix Jr did to Washington, and based on the results, DeBoer has benefited from trusting him. Against Wisconsin, Milroe fired that nice 47-yard pass to WR Ryan Williams before the receiver even made his move. There has been a consistency in the timing, accuracy, and confidence in Milroe’s throws, and DeBoer is allowing him to take those shots deep.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Jalen Milroe the next Michael Penix Jr., or is he carving his own legendary path?

Have an interesting take?

Eight touchdown passes from Milroe so far are 39.75 yards per pass, and it’s that type of vertical passing that makes Alabama different this season. The offense has been developed and established by DeBoer to take advantage of Milroe and what the latter brings to the table. We have been witnessing how deadly this team could be, especially when the pass is effective.

Alabama Crimson Tide mentor Nick Saban is among the renowned football mentors in the United States. He has brought multiple national championships to Tuscaloosa with his ‘get down to business’ attitude. But, it must be said that in Alabama, Perno’s refreshing approach is placing a new twist to the dominance. Of course, Saban would not have taken such chances, especially against a team like Wisconsin, but DeBoer’s attacking mentality and his willingness to take risks are adding new dimensions to the Tide.

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For all you football fans out there, we have a treat in the form of a new ES Think Tank Exclusive with Doug Sanders. Do give it a watch!