Nick Saban on Jalen Milroe and playing for 60 minutes: ‘We will learn from it’

Nick Saban on Jalen Milroe and playing for 60 minutes: ‘We will learn from it’

Alabama was lined up in victory formation and ready to end the game Saturday against Arkansas.

Instead, the pesky penalty flag came flying. Yes, the Crimson Tide was hit with another pre-snap penalty, and Nick Saban was irate.

It didn’t impact the game. The Crimson Tide, which lead 24-7 early, held off a furious Arkansas rally to win 24-21.

Following the game, Saban pointed out the issues that continue to plague the No. 11-ranked Tide.

“We played pretty good until it was 24-6, then we got two third-down penalties,” said Saban, who earned on-the-field win No. 200 as the coach at Alabama. “They got back into the game. They scored, and we lost our momentum. We went three and out three or four times on offense.

“We have to learn how to play for 60 minutes and finish the game, which we really didn’t do like we needed to do today.”

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The Tide was only flagged five times for 45 yards, but the penalties came at the most inopportune times, including a face-mask penalty that extended an Arkansas drive which led to a Hogs touchdown.

“I think we will learn from it,” Saban said. “Hopefully, we will be better and ready for the next challenge.”

Quarterback Jalen Milroe was on fire in the first half, hitting on 7 of 10 passes for 215 yards and two scores. The second half, however, was a different story. He was 3 of 11 to finish 10 of 21 for 238 yards.

“Jalen did a great job in the first half,” Saban said. “He missed three or four throws in the second half, a little high or whatever. I don’t know if it was pressure in the pocket or not getting his feet set. He’ll learn from it and get better as well.”

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.