Alabama Football: Latest Gameday buzz from T-Town
By Ronald Evans
There may be change on the Alabama Football offensive line that goes beyond the New Mexico State game. Yesterday we discussed the probability of Tommy Brown starting at left guard. There has been no official word on Javion Cohen but he is believed to be injured. Alabama football insiders say the injury is a broken wrist and that Cohen may miss multiple games.
Tommy Brown, now a redshirt junior, was a 4-Star rated tackle in the 2018 Crimson Tide signing class. Brown has played in 25 games in his Crimson Tide career. Most of his game action has been at tackle and special teams. This season, he has played 32 snaps at guard.
The other possibility for a change against New Mexico State is Seth McLaughlin getting quality snaps at center, possibly with the second and first unit. Nick Saban hinted a new player might get a chance this week. If Darrian Dalcourt is held out of the game due to a sprained ankle, McLaughlin would back up Chris Owens. That would leave Damieon George to start at right tackle.
A new look Alabama Football Offensive Line
It is possible that well before mop-up time against New Mexico State, the Tide’s first unit offensive line might be, left to right – Evan Neal, Tommy Brown, Seth McLaughlin, Emil Ekiyor and Damieon George Jr. Some Alabama fans think such a lineup would perform better than the line did against LSU. Of course, that is an unfair comparison. The Bengal Tigers and the New Mexico State Aggies are not close to being equal.
There is little to gain by the Tide’s top players beating up on the Aggies. A mid-week, game situation, practice is more demanding. It makes sense to try new combinations and give less-used guys more snaps.
In other Alabama Football news, Xavier Williams has chosen to enter the Transfer Portal. Williams has not played this season for medical reasons. Though the medical issue is not new, purportedly the Crimson Tide had never cleared him for participation this season.
Next. What can be learned vs. New Mexico State. dark
There was a reason for two Alabama Crimson Tide celebrations Friday night. Nate Oats’ team won its second game – AND – Alabama Soccer won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game, on the road, beating Clemson 1-0. Congratulations to Coach Wes Hart and his team. Next up for the Tide is the winner of the BYU vs. New Mexico game.