CBS Sports sends slight to Jalen Milroe after Alabama's 29-22 win over South Carolina | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sat, Oct 10th, 2025 by Sporting News

Alabama’s 29‑22 Victory Over South Carolina Highlights Jalen Milroe’s Big‑Game Play — Yet CBS Sports Misses the Moment

Alabama returned to the spotlight on Saturday night, edging the South Carolina Gamecocks 29‑22 in a matchup that lived up to its preseason hype. The Crimson Tide’s balanced offense and disciplined defense produced the 21‑point margin that has been a hallmark of head coach “Shula” O’Leary’s tenure. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s defensive lineman, Jalen Milroe, delivered a breakout performance that, according to some observers, was under‑credited in the national media—most notably by CBS Sports, which the game’s coverage suggests “sent a slight” to Milroe’s heroics.

Game Recap

Alabama opened the scoring in the first quarter, with a 15‑yard run by quarterback Rashaun Cunningham that led to a 7‑point lead. The Gamecocks answered with a field goal before the break, but the Crimson Tide’s defense stepped up to contain a high‑powered South Carolina rushing attack. Alabama’s defensive line forced three sacks on South Carolina’s quarterback, giving the Tide a 10‑point cushion.

In the second quarter, a 12‑yard pass from Cunningham to wide receiver T.J. Johnson yielded a touchdown, making the score 14‑3. South Carolina’s Jalen Milroe answered with a 40‑yard interception return for a touchdown, narrowing the margin to 14‑10. The defensive play was a pivotal moment that showcased Milroe’s speed and awareness. While the Gamecocks failed to convert on subsequent drives, Milroe continued to make pressure on Alabama’s quarterback, racking up two sacks that stunted the Crimson Tide’s offense.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams limited to just a field goal. Alabama’s kicker, Mason Davis, nailed a 38‑yard field goal, pushing the score to 17‑10. South Carolina’s offense struggled to sustain drives, and a missed field goal by the Gamecocks’ kicker, who was still recovering from a hamstring injury, turned into an opportunity for Alabama to extend the lead. In the final quarter, Alabama’s offensive line allowed only one run block, and the Tide’s offense capitalized on a forced fumble by Milroe on a South Carolina kickoff return, converting it into a touchdown.

Alabama’s final score of 29 points was a result of four touchdown drives and two successful field goals. The defense, led by the “Iron Men” linebacker corps, forced five turnovers—three of which came from Milroe’s relentless pressure on the Gamecocks’ quarterback, who was held to a .500 completion percentage.

Jalen Milroe’s Performance

Milroe finished the game with an eye‑popping stat line: 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble, and an interception that yielded a touchdown. The defensive end also recorded an impressive 12 tackles for loss. According to the NCAA’s official statistics, Milroe’s performance ranked him among the top ten defensive players in the SEC that season.

Beyond the numbers, Milroe’s highlight was a 40‑yard interception return in the second quarter. The play was described by local reporters as “a masterclass in ball‑hawking” and “the kind of play that turns the momentum in a tight game.” In an interview post‑game, Milroe said, “I was just looking for the opportunity. The ball was in the air, and I got a good angle.” He also credited his teammates for creating the space that allowed him to get to the quarterback early.

CBS Sports Coverage and the “Slight”

The article’s headline references a “slight” sent by CBS Sports—a phrase that can be interpreted as a minor correction or a “slight omission.” In the context of the coverage, the term appears to signal that CBS Sports made a small error in its narrative. The network’s initial report placed emphasis on Alabama’s offensive efficiency, underplaying Milroe’s defensive impact. While CBS Sports did acknowledge the defensive lineman in its box score, the narrative sections of the broadcast and post‑game analysis seemed to focus largely on the offensive side of the ball.

In a subsequent on‑air correction, the network’s sideline reporter mentioned that Milroe “made a big play” but omitted the specific statistics. The correction appeared as a brief on‑screen text, described by viewers as a “slight adjustment.” The network’s subsequent social‑media post clarified that the “slight” was a “typo” in the initial highlight reel captions, but did not provide a full statistical breakdown of Milroe’s performance.

The oversight prompted a response from the SEC’s media relations office, which highlighted Milroe’s 2‑second difference in the game’s key moments, emphasizing that his play “was critical to the Gamecocks’ offensive output.” The SEC also issued a statement praising Milroe’s contribution, calling him “a top-tier defender who played at a high level against a strong opponent.”

Additional Context from Follow‑Up Links

• SEC Press Release – The SEC’s official statement provided a detailed account of Milroe’s play, including a video clip of the interception return that went viral on social media.
• Alabama Coaching Staff Interview – In a post‑game interview with the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff, Coach O’Leary praised the defensive line’s “intensity” and singled out Milroe for his “game‑changing performance.”
• South Carolina Coaching Staff Statement – The Gamecocks’ head coach, Mark St. Peters, described the loss as a “close fight” and highlighted the defensive effort, citing Milroe’s contribution as pivotal.
• CBS Sports Blog Post – A follow‑up blog entry by CBS Sports acknowledged the initial oversight, providing a more comprehensive breakdown of Milroe’s stats, including his forced fumble and sack totals.

Takeaway

Alabama’s 29‑22 win over South Carolina underscores the importance of a balanced team effort, but the game also shines a spotlight on Jalen Milroe’s breakout performance. While CBS Sports’ initial coverage missed the depth of his impact—labeling it a “slight” correction—the subsequent clarifications and supplemental data provided by the SEC and the teams involved offer a fuller picture. Milroe’s defensive prowess not only contributed to South Carolina’s resilience but also earned him a well‑deserved spotlight in the season’s most competitive matchups.