Alabama Football: Defensive schemes and injured players for The Citadel

Alabama football went back to prep work on Tuesday for the triple option of The Citadel. At least two Tide players are not expected to see action.

Tuesday was not the first time Alabama football worked on defending the triple option of The Citadel. The offensive concepts were introduced to Crimson Tide players earlier in the season. Still, the exposure to the wishbone-like attack has been minimal.

There are not many passing targets in the triple-option so the Crimson Tide will employ its base defense more often than most games. The Citadel offense will be at a size disadvantage. They will not try to bully Alabama football. Instead, they will use quickness and deception to get Tide defenders out of position.

On Tuesday, the Alabama football scout team was doing its best to replicate the triple-option attack. True freshman, Slade Bolden, who played some quarterback in high school was triggering the look-a-like Citadel offense.

Alabama football is favored by more points than is reasonable to keep up with – about seven touchdowns, plus. Alabama football fans can be sure no margin of victory will be suitable for Nick Saban if the Tide defense struggles to defend the triple-option.

Crimson Tide Injury Update

Alabama football is relatively healthy given the twelfth week of the college football season. The nicked-up wideouts might be close to 100 percent. Najee Harris may still be hurting a little but is not injured.

No matter what Nick Saban says, there are two guys not expected to see the field on Saturday. Neither of them are named Tua.

A quick look at the video below will show Jalen Hurts is still injured. It is difficult to imagine any emergency on Saturday that would require putting Jalen in the game. When Tua leaves the game Saturday (which we hope is in the first quarter) leave it to Mac Jones to shepherd a victory. If Mac has to come out, Layne Hatcher or Braxton Barker can be called on. Tua looks fine in the video.

The other guy it makes no sense to rush back is left guard, Deonte Brown. Turf toe injuries can take weeks or months to heal. Having Brown healthy enough for Georgia may even be too soon.

One other practice note, currently available for work coach, Rich Rodriquez was observing practice. Is Rich Rod in line for an analyst gig with Saban? Or is he advising the Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coaches how to defend the field against The Citadel?

We do not know what Nick Saban will say about Jalen and Deonte Wednesday night. Our guess is he will continue to label Jalen as day-to-day.