Video: Alabama HC Defends Decision to Keep Jalen Milroe in Bowl Game Despite Loss

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer provided insight into his decision to keep quarterback Jalen Milroe on the field throughout a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday.

"I thought there were still a lot of good plays that he made too," DeBoer told reporters after the defeat. "I saw, I guess, a fighter, the fight in his eyes. And as long as I see that, I wanna hang in there with the guys that this program means a lot to."

Milroe dealt with ball security issues during the loss, committing three turnovers.

The 22-year-old finished 16-of-32 for 192 yards and a touchdown to go along with an interception. He picked up just seven rush yards on 16 carries, fumbling the ball twice.

All three of Milroe's turnovers occurred on consecutive drives in the first quarter, causing the Crimson Tide to fall into an early 16-0 deficit that they weren't able to overcome for the duration of the contest.

The defeat dropped Alabama to 9-4 in its inaugural season under DeBoer, marking the first year that the team wasn't able to reach 10 wins since 2007.

The Tide won each of their first four games to open the year but losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma throughout the course of the season kept them out of the College Football Playoff.

Milroe performed admirably as Alabama's starter, although he wasn't able to build off an impressive 2023 campaign as a passer.

In 12 appearances entering Tuesday's action, he completed 65.9 percent of his throws for 2,652 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 719 yards and 20 scores.

Still, his performance was especially disappointing against a Michigan team that dealt with heavy roster turnover following a national championship last season and didn't become bowl-eligible until Nov. 23.

DeBoer wasn't considering a quarterback change at any point during the contest, though.