Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer talks Jalen Milroe’s performance, key to success

Kalen DeBoer had nothing but positive things to say about Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s first-half performance in leading the Tide to a 21-6 lead over LSU on Saturday in Baton Rouge.

Milroe rushed for 98 yards and two scores on eight carries in the first half.

“He’s done a really nice job playing the elements and everything,” DeBoer, who has a 37-3 record when his team leads at halftime, told ABC at halftime. “That first touchdown really got him in a rhythm, so I like where he is at right now.”

Milroe has thrown for 97 yards, and DeBoer stressed the importance of the elements.

“Just talking about how the gameplan is going to come first circle,” he said of his message to the quarterback in the first half. “The elements are gonna change, just to stay within yourself. The next play is the most important. Learn from everything you see and keep moving forward.”

Meanwhile, DeBoer was pleased with the Tide in the first half, but he said they key for the second half is obvious.

“We need to come out fast again,” he told the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “They get the ball in the second half, so the defense is doing a nice job holding them to field goals. We need to keep doing that.”

Tim Smith recovered an LSU fumble in the first half.

“Got the takeaway,” he said. “That was huge. Starting this half fast will be big for us.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.