Eli Drinkwitz shares high praise for Jalen Milroe, says Alabama is 3 plays from being undefeated

Eli Drinkwitz and his Missouri Tigers are gearing up for a tough conference road game at Alabama in Week 10. Ahead of that matchup, the Missouri HC praised Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Milroe has faced some criticism of late after the Crimson Tide lost to Vanderbilt and Tennessee over the last 3 weeks. The QB was once a Heisman candidate but is now just fighting to keep his team alive in the College Football Playoff hunt.

When asked about the QB at the SEC teleconference, Drinkwitz called Milroe a “very physical” and “very talented” player.

“I see a very physical football player, a very talented football player. He’s got a very unique ability and skillset to throw the ball vertically downfield,” said Drinkwitz. “He does a great job getting through his reads, understanding their offensive system, but also is able to create with his legs. Whether that’s vertical scramble ability or called runs in the red zone, I think he’s the best attribute they have as far as their quarterback run scheme. He’s playing at a really high level.”

On the season, Milroe has completed 68.4% of his passes for 1,722 yards with 13 TDs and 6 INTs. The senior has also rushed for 330 yards and 11 TDs.

Drinkwitz is also of the opinion that Alabama’s 5-2 record is misleading.

“They’re really three plays away from being undefeated,” the coach told media members.

Alabama lost by 5 points to Vanderbilt and then by 7 to Tennessee. The Tide lost the turnover battle against Vanderbilt and then the Tennessee game ended on an interception of Milroe by Will Brooks.

Drinkwitz’s squad will be no walk in the park for Milroe in Week 9. The Tigers and Tide will kick off from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Bryce Lazenby

Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.