Alabama football is starting Jalen Milroe at quarterback for its season opener against Middle Tennessee State Saturday afternoon, ESPN’s Chris Lowe first reported Friday.
The Crimson Tide have had a fierce quarterback competition all offseason which could continue into Saturday’s season opener. Alabama’s first true test of the season comes in week two when Texas travels to Tuscaloosa for a top 15 matchup.
Milroe started one game for Alabama last season when Bryce Young was sidelined with an injury. In the Crimson Tide’s 24-20 win over Texas A&M, Milroe completed 12-of-19 passes for 111 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
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The Katy, Texas native is dynamic with his legs, adding 81 rushing yards in the win. Playing in eight games last season, Milroe completed 59% of his passes for 297 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Milroe battled with former five-star recruit Ty Simpson, a west Tennessee native, and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner for Alabama’s starting quarterback job this offseason before eventually winning the starting job for the season opener.
Simpson was a true freshman last season and redshirted while learning the Crimson Tide’s offense. Both, if not all three quarterbacks, will play in the season opener against MTSU.
Alabama and Tennessee renew their long standing rivalry on Oct. 21 when the Vols travel to Tuscaloosa looking for their first road win in the series since 2003.
