Maybe Alabama Football will, as some Crimson Tide fans claim, soundly beat the Texas Longhorns. Or maybe the margin between the two teams is even less than the 7-point spread suggests.
Either way, Alabama needs all of its key personnel good to go on Saturday night. On Wednesday it appeared the Crimson Tide’s injury situation is looking up.
Only two Alabama football players are expected to be unavailable for the Texas game. One is wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson, who is still a few weeks away from full recovery from a hip injury. The other is Devonta Smith, who at best, is considered doubtful for the Texas game.
The good news is three players once defined as day-to-day are now practicing for Saturday’s game. They are Malachi Moore, Jalen Key and Jihaad Campbell.
Campbell was out for the Middle Tennessee game. It is believed he had a knee scoped several days before the game. On Tuesday, he practiced in full gear, plus a large knee brace. Against MTSU, Deontae Lawson filled in for Campbell at Will linebacker, while Trezmen Marshall played the Mike spot. If Campbell is a go for the Horns, he brings better coverage skills at Will linebacker and would allow Lawson to move back to Mike. That is if Campbell will not have his speed and quickness hampered by the knee brace.
Providing more good news on Tuesday was Moore and Key appearing to be capable of possibly playing on Saturday; perhaps more so Moore than Key. No team in the country has talent at wideout as deep as the Longhorns. In addition, Texas tight end J’Tavion Sanders has wide receiver skills. As close to full speed as possible, Alabama will need Jalen Key and Malachi Moore as pass defenders against Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
Not to make too much of it, but after the MTSU game, Malachi’s mom stated he was fine, despite leaving the field during the game.
Up next for Alabama Football?
Backing up Moore at Star is first Terrion Arnold and next Earl Little II. When Arnold moves to Star, Trey Amos becomes a first-unit cornerback. Backing up Key is Moore, then either the injured Devonta Smith or Kristian Story. Story has all the physical tools but lacks big game experience in a key role. Little is expected to become a future star for the Crimson Tide. Hopefully, the future does not mean this Saturday night.
The Crimson Tide has no talent deficiency in its defensive backfield.
One more point worth some attention is Texas also has a deep and talented defensive backfield.