Tom Luginbill highlights biggest challenge for Texas ahead of matchup with Alabama

The quarterback matchup of Quinn Ewers vs. Jalen Milroe could not be any different. Texas has a pure pocket passer on its hands, wanting to stand in there and make effective throws. Milroe is the opposite, being a serious threat to take off at any moment. In fact, the Alabama quarterback’s biggest strength may be his legs.

In fact, ESPN’s Tom Luginbill believes the toughest challenge Texas has against them is defending Milroe in the run game. Even if the pass rush is able to generate pressure, the play will be far from over. Designed runs will play a role as well, with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees potentially having something up his sleeve.

“Texas has to prepare for a dangerous running threat at quarterback,” Luginbill said during Thursday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “Alabama doesn’t. Alabama is always going to know where Quinn Ewers is. So, it’s a matter of disrupting him when they’re throwing it. But they don’t have to worry about quarterback-lead, RPO stuff with the keep, quarterback counter. Texas does.”

Once Milroe is off and running — good luck. His limited playing time in an Alabama jersey has highlighted how effective of an athlete he is. Just watch the first touchdown of last week’s game against Middle Tennessee State, scoring a touchdown out of a botched play.

“You can’t bring him down,” Luginbill. “He’s so big and physical. It puts so much strain on a defense because essentially, you’re having to play 11 on 11. When the quarterback is not a running threat, you’re kind of playing 11 on 10 to some degree.”

Jalen Milroe still has questions in the pass game

Milroe looked effective throwing downfield against Middle Tennessee State. He was the first-ever Alabama quarterback to throw for three touchdowns while adding another two on the ground. Impressive after there was some doubt from the outside heading into Week 1.

Texas is going to be a different challenge, though. Plenty of quality defensive backs will be on the field and the windows are going to get tighter. If Pete Kwiatkowski‘s defense can contain Milroe, they will certainly challenge him to make a few impressive throws.

“I think we need to continue to track Alabama in the passing game and see if he can continue to be accurate,” Luginbill said. “We know he’s got arm talent. But like Nick Saban said this week — that gap between the defender last week vs. Middle (Tennessee State) was like this. This week, it’s going to be like this. And can he still make those tight throws?”

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