In his role as a scout team quarterback, Alex Orji embraces versatility by embodying various personas. While he primarily remains true to himself, stepping onto the practice field transforms him into the character necessary for his team’s preparation. In the lead-up to the Rose Bowl, Orji has assumed the role of Jalen Milroe, emulating the Alabama quarterback on Michigan’s scout team. This allows the team to familiarize themselves with Milroe’s dual-threat abilities, providing valuable insights ahead of their matchup on New Year’s Day.
Orji mentions, “I’ve consistently reviewed his footage and make it a regular practice. Observing his ball-handling skills is always a fascinating task. It’s an exciting challenge, especially as a scout team player, to focus on weeks when you get the opportunity to emulate a dynamic player with a similar skill set.”
Michigan defenders compare Milroe to Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, noting that even Tagovailoa lacks the combination of speed and power Milroe exhibits when he runs. They also highlight Milroe’s exceptional deep ball throwing ability, with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter stating, “There are instances where the ball travels 60, 65, 70 yards downfield. We aim to replicate that scenario as much as possible for our players to develop a sense of tracking and locating the ball over such distances. Alex possesses a commendable skill set of his own, and he shows promise as a quarterback. Simulating someone like Jalen Milroe is challenging, and while Alex has a unique skill set for emulation, claiming an exact replication would not be fair to him, considering how well he has performed this year.”
Alabama’s offense may not boast the same prowess it once did. The wide receiver position may lack future first-round picks, and the offensive line’s pass protection seems less formidable than typical Crimson Tide units. However, amidst these changes, Alabama possesses a key asset in Milroe.
Milroe’s season has experienced fluctuations, delineated into three phases. The initial segment involves setbacks like the Texas loss and the USF game, where he didn’t play (Saban prefers not to label it as a benching). The second phase, extending through the late October Tennessee game, showcases Milroe leading a second-half comeback, suggesting Alabama was discovering optimal ways to utilize his skills. The concluding phase highlights stellar performances against LSU, Kentucky, and Auburn, underscoring Milroe’s prowess as a dual-threat. This culminated in an impressive showing against the Georgia defense during the SEC championship game.
Alabama’s offense has found a consistent flow, resembling a basketball team adept at scoring layups and three-pointers. Conversely, Michigan’s defense typically focuses on containing opponents, forcing them into lengthy drives. The Tide, on the other hand, aim to create explosive plays by gaining substantial yardage through their passing game, ranking fourth in the country for air yards per pass (12). Teams facing Michigan’s defense, however, are positioned at 112th in this category (7.7). The outcome of the game may hinge on how the Wolverines handle Alabama’s deep passing strategy. Despite the effectiveness of the Tide’s offense when quarterback Milroe utilizes his mobility, it’s crucial to recognize his passing abilities and the potential impact on Michigan’s defense.
Michigan safety Rod Moore commented on Milroe’s skills, stating, “It’s not just Milroe’s mobility. He possesses a strong arm, much like Alex. In practice, Alex enjoys making deep throws. I recall a particular instance when he launched the ball from the opposite 30 to the middle of the zone with impressive accuracy. Watching the film, that’s how Milroe throws the ball.”
