Alabama Football: What Malachi Moore’s absence would mean
By Dakota Cox
What would it mean if Alabama football is without Malachi Moore?
Alabama football seems ready to play against Ohio State in the CFP National Championship, but not everyone will be available. We already knew that Landon Dickerson would be out. Jaylen Waddle is a game-time decision, but we got more news about freshman DB Malachi Moore.
Nick Saban said that Moore is questionable for this game. Knowing Saban, this likely won’t be updated until the moment the game starts. While we aren’t sure how severe Moore’s injury is, it is looking like he could easily be out for the title game.
Moore has been incredibly solid in his freshman season. He leads the team in interceptions and has a defensive touchdown. He is the future of the Crimson Tide secondary, and he has earned his starting role. So, what would his absence mean?
Moore was out against Notre Dame, and we saw Brian Branch fill in as the slot corner. He held his own in that spot, and we will likely see him play there again if Malachi Moore is out. Branch has seen plenty of reps this season as a reserve and in dime coverage. While Moore was starting for a reason, Branch is ready to fill in if needed.
We will also likely see DeMarco Hellams play more at safety. He played more than Daniel Wright in the Rose Bowl, and he did relatively well in this game. We’ll see if Wright plays in the box to help stop the run.
With the talent of Trey Sermon, it will be vital to stop the run. That means that Alabama football might go back to its base 3-4 defense to stack the box and win this game in the trenches. However, Justin Fields is capable of winning this game on the outside.
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Either way, Alabama needs quality play from the STAR position. Malachi Moore has been a stud all season, but we might see more of Brian Branch against the Ohio State Buckeyes.