Reasons why this assistant should be a Broyles finalist
The 2023 Crimson Tide offense has continued to grow and expand throughout the season under the guidance and development from offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. With first-year quarterback Jalen Milroe under center, the Crimson Tide’s offense has added the threat of Milroe’s legs and his play-making ability while taking advantage of his strong arm and accurate downfield passing prowess. UA has introduced direct quarterback runs that have opened up both the Tide’s traditional rushing attack while also opening up throws down field as team adjust. Rees, UA’s first-year offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, has been directly responsible for the growth in Milroe’s game. After a 1-1 start, Milroe did not play at South Florida. He returned to the lineup at the start of SEC play and has reeled off seven-straight league wins churning out 266.0 yards of total offense per game while ranking second in the SEC in total touchdowns with 21 (3.0 per game). Those numbers get even more impressive in the Tide’s three wins over Top 25 opponents (Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU) where he averaged 283.3 yards of total offense (850 yards) and seven total touchdowns while completing 70.8 percent of his passes. The continued maturation of Alabama’s offensive line has only bolstered Alabama’s ability to mix run and pass devasting effectiveness. The Crimson Tide is fifth in the league in total offense, fourth in scoring and second in passing efficiency during league play. UA has lost the third-fewest turnover in the SEC during league play. Milroe has thrown for 2,070 yards with 16 touchdowns and just six interceptions (only 4 in SEC play) while gaining 572 yards rushing (does not including yards lost by sack) with 12 rushing touchdowns. UA has seven receivers with double digit receptions, led by Isaiah Bond (30 for 444 yards) and Jermaine Burton (26 for 537 yards & 5 TD).
Team/Unit Stats
No. 13 nationally and 5th in the SEC in passing efficiency (162.18)
No. 35th nationally and 4th in the SEC in turnover margin (+.30)
No. 4th nationally and 2nd in the SEC in passing yards per completion (15.69)
No. 20th nationally and 5th in the SEC in fewest turnovers lost (10)
No. 27th nationally and 5th in the SEC in scoring offense (33.6 ppg)
No. 24th nationally and 4th in the SEC in fewest passes intercepted (6)
No. 9th nationally and 2nd in the SEC in red zone offense (.939)
Individual Player Stats
Jalen Milroe is 5th nationally and 2nd in the SEC in passer efficiency (173.6 )
Jalen Milroe is 2nd nationally and 2nd in the SEC in yards per attempt (10.45)
Jalen Milroe is 3rd nationally and 2nd in the SEC in yards per completion (16.05)
Jalen Milroe is 12th nationally and 2nd in the SEC in points responsible for (170)
Jalen Milroe is 6th nationally in points responsible for per game (18.9)
Jalen Milroe is 33rd nationally and 6th in the second in total yards per game (267.0)
Jalen Milroe is 17th nationally and 4th in the SEC in total touchdowns (12)
Team Record and Standings
Alabama is currently 9-1 on the season with a 7-0 record in the SEC. The Tide is ranked eighth in the College Football Playoff rankings and eighth in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches poll.
Coach’s Past Performance
Rees came to Tuscaloosa after spending six seasons on the coaching staff at Notre Dame where he served as the offensive coordinator for the final three seasons. He helped guide Notre Dame to the 2018 and 2020 College Football Playoffs while developing quarterbacks Ian Book and Jack Coan. He played at Notre Dame where he was a four-year letterwinner with a 23-8 record as the Irish’s starting quarterback.
