Pat McAfee compares Jalen Milroe to NFL MVP, expects Alabama-Texas to be a 'great 1'
Pat McAfee is pumped for the Week 2 showdown between No. 3 Alabama and visiting No. 11 Texas. This will be a rematch of last season’s matchup in which Alabama edged Texas by 1 point.
During an appearance on the Friday edition of Get Up, the ESPN personality beams about the immaculate vibes going into the intriguing clash.
The vibes in Tuscaloosa are IMMACULATE right now pic.twitter.com/kuPLc4TBpX
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 8, 2023
McAfee believes Texas is motivated to make a statement as they prepare to join the SEC next season.
“Quinn Ewers and that Texas team is going to play fantastic. They know that this is the big 1 on their schedule. They’re moving to the SEC next year,” McAfee said. “This is what their life is going to be. But their team has been built for exact moment.”
Meanwhile, McAfee is intrigued to witness Alabama’s first test of the season as they go back to an old-school style of offense.
“This is our first time seeing this new era of the Alabama football team on a massive stage…Nick Saban and the boys, they’re rebuilding. This is before Mac Jones, and Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young,” McAfee said. “This is a power football team who has weapons outside if Milroe is able to get loose, but you’re going to see the ball run a lot.”
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe McAfee accounted for 5 touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) in Week 1. McAfee sees a comparison between the dynamic sophomore and a former Heisman Trophy quarterback who went on to win NFL MVP.
“There are shades of Lamar Jackson in this Milroe,” McAfee said. “When you have him on a college football field, he looks like an adult outrunning everybody else.”
Despite Alabama’s high ranking, McAfee thinks the Crimson Tide is going overlooked because they share a conference with back-to-back reigning national champion Georgia.
McAfee is expecting an instant classic between upcoming conference foes Alabama and Texas.
“I think what we’re going to see here early is whether or not Saban’s new-look team is going to be able to make a run this year,” McAfee said. “I think it’s a great little test of the waters for both of the teams. I think we’re in for a great 1 here in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night.”
Alabama vs. Texas is set for Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN.