Iron Bowl Heats Up: Jalen Milroe Shrugs Off Auburn Freshman’s Trash Talk
The Iron Bowl is always a fiery affair, but this year’s buildup has been particularly spicy. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe added a little fuel to the fire on Tuesday when he was asked about some bold comments made by Auburn freshman linebacker Demarcus Riddick. Milroe’s response? A calm, confident dismissal that’s sure to have fans buzzing.
“I don’t know who that is,” Milroe said with a smile. “I mean, let him talk. It’s a part of it. It’s all about executing what we need to do so we can be at our best this weekend. But, yeah, good on him.”
Riddick, for his part, didn’t hold back earlier in the week. On Monday, the Auburn linebacker made waves when he took aim at Alabama freshman receiver Ryan Williams, saying, “He ain’t no big-time player to me.” If that wasn’t enough, Riddick doubled down, declaring, “Every rival team I’ve played, I never lost to, and I will not lose to Bama while I’m here.”
Riddick’s Confidence Extends to Milroe
Riddick didn’t stop at Williams. He also took a swipe at Milroe’s ability to make plays with his legs. For context, Milroe leads Alabama with 615 rushing yards and ranks second among all FBS quarterbacks with 17 rushing touchdowns. But Riddick wasn’t impressed.
“He is a good quarterback. He’s fast,” Riddick admitted. “But, I mean, he’s not faster than me. He will not get out of that box this week.”
It’s a bold claim, especially considering Milroe’s track record. The Alabama quarterback has been a dynamic force on the ground all season, and his ability to extend plays has been a key part of the Crimson Tide’s offense. But Riddick’s confidence is exactly the kind of energy that makes the Iron Bowl one of the most intense rivalries in college football.
Alabama’s Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread
For Alabama, this year’s Iron Bowl carries even more weight than usual. The Crimson Tide (8-3, 4-3) are coming off a tough 24-3 upset loss to Oklahoma, a result that put a serious dent in their playoff hopes. To have any chance of making the 12-team field, Alabama needs to beat Auburn and likely get some help from other teams.
Recent offensive struggles have been a major concern for Alabama. In their last two losses to Oklahoma and Tennessee, the Crimson Tide failed to score more than 17 points. Milroe, in particular, has faced criticism after accounting for just one touchdown and five turnovers in those games, including three interceptions against the Sooners.
“It’s simple things we need to execute as an offense,” Milroe said when asked about the team’s struggles. “You can’t just point out one person. It’s all about collectively as a group being the best us and executing the simple things. That’s what allows us to be the best offense we can be.”
Milroe’s Iron Bowl Legacy
Despite the recent setbacks, Milroe has already made his mark on the Iron Bowl. Last year, he delivered one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry’s history, launching a fourth-and-31 touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond to secure a dramatic 27-24 victory for Alabama in the final seconds.
“For us, we’re playing for the state of Alabama, playing for our families, playing for the guys in the locker room, but this game means a lot to a lot of people,” Milroe said, reflecting on the significance of the rivalry.
Alabama’s Dominance vs. Auburn’s Drought
History is on Alabama’s side heading into Saturday’s matchup. The Crimson Tide have won four straight in the series and eight of the last 10. Auburn (5-6, 2-5), meanwhile, hasn’t won in Tuscaloosa since 2010—the same year the Tigers won the national championship with Cam Newton at quarterback.
As the two teams prepare to clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Alabama, it’s a chance to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. For Auburn, it’s an opportunity to play spoiler and end a long drought in enemy territory. And for fans, it’s another chapter in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
Key Takeaways Heading into the Iron Bowl
- Jalen Milroe: Leads Alabama with 615 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, but has struggled with turnovers in recent games.
- Demarcus Riddick: Auburn freshman linebacker isn’t shy about his confidence, calling out both Milroe and Ryan Williams.
- Alabama’s Playoff Hopes: The Crimson Tide need a win and some help to stay in the playoff conversation.
- Rivalry History: Alabama has dominated the series in recent years, while Auburn hasn’t won in Tuscaloosa since 2010.
With all the trash talk, high stakes, and history on the line, this year’s Iron Bowl is shaping up to be a must-watch showdown. Will Milroe and Alabama rise to the occasion, or will Riddick and Auburn back up their bold words? Saturday can’t come soon enough.
Originally Written by: Alex Scarborough
