Nick Saban has notable advice for Alabama QB Jalen Milroe

Alabama coach Nick Saban looks on. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has struggled to protect the ball over the past several games, and his former coach offered some advice on how to fix that problem.

Nick Saban spoke about Milroe’s play on “College GameDay” ahead of the big Alabama-LSU rivalry game. The legendary coach used a basketball reference to describe how Milroe and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier — who has also struggled with turnovers — have played this season. Saban said Milroe and Nussmeier need to start embracing the point guard mentality rather than playing like shooting guards.

“That’s the biggest problem with these guys: they want to make plays. But they don’t need to be shooting guard mentality. They need a point guard mentality,” Saban said. “Have 13 assists in a game and no turnovers, and that’s good quarterback play.”

Nick Saban on College Gameday about Jalen Milroe, Garrett Nussmeier: "That's the biggest problem with these guys: they want to make plays. But they don't need to be shooting guard mentality. They need a point guard mentality. Have 13 assists in a game and no turnovers, and that's…

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) November 9, 2024

Milroe has thrown 5 touchdown passes compared to 6 interceptions in Alabama’s last five games — two of which were losses. The Crimson Tide lost the two games by a combined 12 points. Milroe had 3 picks in those contests, so the turnovers were costly.

Alabama is still ranked 11th in the nation despite their losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee. The Tide have an outside chance to make the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, but Milroe will have to be at his best in order for Alabama to make a run. Maybe Saban’s advice will resonate with the junior.