Keelon Russell matches Jalen Milroe feat with impressive first half vs. ECU
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Keelon Russell’s first collegiate start against East Carolina has been relatively low-stakes. But the Alabama quarterback has risen to the challenge in a big way.
In the first half, Russell totaled 182 yards on 11-of-17 passing. He also had a rushing touchdown on nine carries for 54 yards.
That’s not bad for a first start. And it put Russell in the company of a recent Alabama quarterback who had a similarly big half.
According to ESPN Insights, Russell’s 182 yards passing and 54 yards rushing are the first time a Crimson Tide quarterback has played a half with at least 175 yards through the air and 50 yards on the ground since Jalen Milroe did it in 2024 against Georgia. Milroe finished that one 27-of-33 for 374 yards and two touchdowns while running for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
Russell and the Tide have let their foot off the gas pedal a little bit, as they held a 45-10 edge over the Pirates early in the fourth quarter. They’ll start off the 2026 season with a 1-0 mark.
While ECU wasn’t supposed to present a big test for Alabama early on, Tide fans have at least gotten a good glimpse of what their new starting quarterback is able to do – whether he’s passing or running.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
