The lights were bright and the stage grand for Jalen Milroe’s first start as Alabama quarterback.

Stepping in for injured Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, the redshirt freshman had a primetime network audience for Saturday night’s showdown with Texas A&M. Though ultimately successful, the native Texan’s night ran hot and cold.

From three touchdown passes to three turnovers, Milroe ran the full spectrum of emotions in the 24-20 win over the Aggies. Nick Saban on Monday assessed the play of Milroe after updating Bryce Young’s injury.

“I just think Jalen played with a lot of anxiety,” Saban said, “and I don’t think he allowed himself to let his training guide him and trust and believe in it so he could have success in executing plays. You can’t turn the ball over and not execute plays the way they’re designed relative to the read of what you should and shouldn’t do.”

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Milroe’s two second-quarter fumbles turned into Aggie touchdowns on subsequent drives. He also threw an interception just before halftime though Texas A&M’s Haynes King returned the favor a few snaps later as Terrion Arnold’s pick set up a field goal.

“Those things are all things we need to definitely improve on so that we can utilize all 11 players on our offensive team,” Saban said. “That’s skill guys that can make plays. We’ve got to distribute the ball at the quarterback position so they can. Whether it’s a run or a pass or an RPO or an advantage throw, you have to make the right choices and decisions on those things. I think we definitely need to improve in all those areas.”

Milroe was asked after the game to assess his play.

“I’m happy, I’m happy,” Milroe said. “We got the win against a tough A&M opponent. They played very well and I’m happy. We’re going to turn on the tape and fix whatever we need to fixed but right now, I’m excited. I’m happy.”

It’s not uncommon for a backup to respond with a few nerves that after a high-profile injury sidelined a star passer. Mac Jones in 2019 struggled at times after replacing Tua Tagovailoa when he went down with a high-ankle sprain against Tennessee.

“When he came in, he was just a little bit nervous,” running back Brian Robinson said after the 35-13 win over the Vols three years ago. “We had to pick him up. The more he played, he got a little bit more comfortable in the game and started to make plays so we just have to keep him up and keep him motivated so he can come out strong next week.”

Alabama faces No. 6 Tennessee at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Knoxville.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.