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

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

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

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

Milroe threw for 97 yards and DeBoer emphasized the importance of the elements.

“I just talk about how the game plan is executed in the first circle,” he said of his message to the quarterback in the first half. “The elements will change just to stay within yourself. The next move is the most important. Learn from everything you see and move on.”

Meanwhile, DeBoer was happy with the flurry in the first half, but he said the key to the second half was obvious.

“We have to get out there quick,” he told the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “They get the ball in the second half, so the defense does a good job holding them to field goals. We have to continue to do that.”

Tim Smith recovered an LSU fumble in the first half.

“I got takeout,” he said. “That was huge. It will be very important for us to start this half day.”

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