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Alabama Football: The latest T-Town news including new rabbit lineup

By Ronald Evans

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for yards being defended by Defensive back Bryce Thompson #20 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for yards being defended by Defensive back Bryce Thompson #20 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Check out the latest Alabama football news on injuries, and roster decisions in the offensive line and in the dime rabbits package. Plus, some thoughts from Nick Saban.

As we said a few posts back, this week and next week allow the Alabama football staff to do some experimenting. Some of those experiments may be over, but others may continue into next week.

There was some question about the offensive line starting group, after the return to health of former starter Chris Owens. That issue appears to no longer be a question. It looks like Nick Saban is going with Landon Dickerson at center, flanked at guards by Evan Neal and Deonte Brown. Along with the Owens question, there had been some doubt about Brown bring fit enough. Deonte played 65 snaps last week, resolving the fitness concern. Nick Saban has many times said the goal is to find the best five for the unit. That best five now appears settled.

On the defensive line, the Crimson Tide has been somewhat quietly building depth. Adding to a starting unit of Raekwon Davis, D.J. Dale and either Byron Young or Justin Eboigbe, the Alabama football staff has a rotation of Phidarian Mathis, Christian Barmore and Tevita Musika. Eight would be better than seven, but that might have to wait until LaBryan Ray’s return.

The unit is short on experience but not short on talent. Based on dime practices this week, it appears Christian Barmore has found a starting role in the dime package, rabbits group. That package features two interior defensive linemen and two outside linebackers. Kwon Davis and Barmore would be on the inside with Terrell Lewis (or Chris Allen) and Anfernee Jennings coming off the edges.

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The Alabama football staff is experimenting with Markail Benton being the lone insider linebacker in the package. The normal secondary starters stay the same, with Surtain II and Diggs at the corners, Carter at star, McKinney at money and Battle and Mayden at safeties. When Kwon and Barmore can push the pocket, the remaining speed in the unit can wreak havoc. Benton or any of the other inside linebackers create some doubt based on limited experience. Benton certainly has the speed to play the position.

The big injury question is the health of Will Reichard. Saban said Reichard punted some on Tuesday and kicked some on Wednesday. Commenting on Reichard’s recovery, Saban said,

"It can be a slow process recovering from a hip flexor. If it hurts, they need to back off. Saban compared it to his hip replacement surgery in the spring. They are always taught to push through pain but that’s not something you should do with hip issues like this."

Alabama football fans are confident the Crimson Tide can handle the Vols and the Hogs without Reichard. Bringing him back too soon and aggravating the injury would be awful.

Saban had some praise for Ale Kaho on special teams. Saban’s words indicated Kaho might be closer to a bigger role with the defense unit.

Next. Ten Tide records that will never be broken. dark

Based on Action Network odds, the Crimson Tide is still a five-touchdown favorite over the Vols. Anything less than covering the spread will disappoint most of the bettors.

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