Alabama football showed up ready to compete against their Big Ten opponent, the Wisconsin Badgers, on Saturday. ClutchPoints had predicted a 37-17 victory for Alabama, and while that was a close estimate, the Crimson Tide exceeded expectations with a decisive 42-10 win. After the game, head coach Kalen DeBoer highlighted the team’s performance in Week 3.
“I’m really proud of the guys… it was a solid overall performance,” DeBoer remarked on on3.com. “We played team football, capitalized on takeaways, and scored efficiently when we got the ball back. We made a crucial stop on fourth down, scored quickly, and managed a key field goal at the end of the half. The offense also had a strong response with a quick drive in the third quarter. These moments were significant in shifting momentum.”
Although Alabama had strong performances in their first two weeks, winning 63-0 against Western Kentucky and 42-16 against the University of Southern Florida, those games were against non-Power-5 teams. This game against Wisconsin was their first real test against Power-5 competition, and they delivered impressively. DeBoer’s reliance on superstar quarterback Jalen Milroe proved to be a winning strategy.
How did Kalen DeBoer use Jalen Milroe against Wisconsin?
DeBoer utilized Milroe in a multitude of ways, leveraging both his run-pass options and arm strength to great effect. The star quarterback delivered a standout performance, completing 12 of 17 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 14 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Milroe’s dual-threat capability was evident against Wisconsin, who struggled to contain him. With five total touchdowns, Milroe has thrust himself into the Heisman conversation after Week 3.
Despite Milroe’s impressive showing, DeBoer emphasized that success isn’t solely about one player. He noted that the team has been acclimating well to the system and developing a positive rhythm daily.
“Our guys brought the right energy all week, understanding that the only option is to keep working,” DeBoer said. “That’s how it will always be. They followed through, and I felt it was the best practice rhythm we’ve had. They’re starting to grasp what a game plan week looks like. Last week had some extra days, and this week everything seemed to sync up. While perfection is never attainable, there’s a lot of great progress to build on.”
Alabama will face its first SEC challenge in Week 4, going up against the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa.
