Greg McElroy sends a clear message to Alabama players as Jalen Milroe struggles to find his feet

Greg McElroy has offered his view on how Alabama can address its struggles, focusing on quarterback Jalen Milroe. After a strong start to the season, Milroe has faced challenges in recent weeks, especially with turnovers, which have hindered his performance.

During his appearance on “ESPN College Football” on Tuesday, McElroy broke down Alabama’s offense and suggested ways the team could overcome its recent struggles. McElroy emphasized that the team should focus on simplifying the game for quarterback Jalen Milroe moving forward.

“They’ve got to figure out how to take some of the pressure off of Jalen Milroe,” Greg McElroy said. “Now, Jalen Milroe when he’s at his best, he’s as good as anybody in college football. But when he is not at his best, he becomes very streaky. And right now he’s searching a little bit."

“The way you can take some of the pressure off is by getting back to the traditional run game … Take some of the pressure off by just getting back to simple offense and allowing Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, your two outstanding running backs, to run behind an ever-improving offensive line.”

In the matchup against Tennessee, Alabama leaned heavily on the passing game, a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective. Milroe completed 24 of 45 passes against the Volunteers for 239 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions.

Greg McElroy believes Alabama can still win the national championship

Ahead of Alabama's Week 8 game against Tennessee, Greg McElroy said he was not overly concerned by the team's performance in Week 7 against South Carolina and expressed confidence the Crimson Tide could still achieve their ultimate goal.

“I think both these teams [Alabama and Tennessee] can win the national championship because with the 12-team playoff, it’s not about where you’re at right now, it’s about where you’re going,” McElroy said.

“And with the young players that are playing on both sides, I think their best football could be coming in November into December and then hopefully for these two teams in January.”

While Greg McElroy gave Alabama a chance at the national title last week, its chances of making the College Football Playoff are now in jeopardy following its loss to Tennessee. The Crimson Tide will need to avoid further regular-season setbacks to stay in contention.