Alabama Crimson Tide news and notes from the beginning of the week as preparations for the College Football Playoff continue.
Alabama likely to have several key players back for CFB vs. Oklahoma
The first availability report for Friday night's College Football Playoff game at Oklahoma was released, and it was mostly good news for Alabama.
RB Jam Miller and LG Kam Dewberry were not listed, meaning they are healthy and ready to go against the Sooners. Both missed the SEC Championship Game.
TE Josh Cuevas is listed as "questionable", but on Tuesday, Ryan Grubb seemed to indicate that Cuevas would play. That came on the heels of similar comments from Ty Simpson on Monday.
Alabama will officially be without LT Overton. Kalen DeBoer said Overton was doubtful on Monday, and then he was officially listed as "out" on the Crimson Tide's availability report Tuesday night.
Alabama should be healthier for this game than they have been in several weeks.
Alabama adds TE out of the Transfer Portal
The Transfer Portal doesn't officially open until January 2nd, but Alabama has already signed a player.
Oklahoma State transfer TE Josh Ford signed with Alabama on Tuesday. Ford entered the portal following the firing of Mike Gundy, prior to the NCAA's rule change allowing for only one two-week window in January.
Ford's stats don't jump off the page, but ignore them. This is a move to improve the running game next year. Ford is the in-line TE that Alabama missed this season after losing Robbie Ouzts from a year ago. He's a big body who will make an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa.
Ford had plenty of suitors, including Oklahoma and Auburn, but ultimately settled on the Crimson Tide.
Alabama adds former Auburn OC to coaching staff
To replace WR coach JaMarcus Shephard, who is leaving to take the head coaching job at Oregon State, Kalen DeBoer has tapped Derrick Nix for the position.
Nix spent the last two years as Auburn's offensive coordinator and RBs coach. Before that, he spent 16 years in various assistant coaching roles at Ole Miss. Nix is a veteran SEC coach. He's considered an elite recruiter and developer, and is a tremendous addition to the Alabama staff.
DeBoer stepped outside of his comfort zone with this hire. Many assumed he would promote from within, but this hire is further indication that DeBoer understands what it takes to win in the SEC.
Alabama basketball freshman ailing with hip pointer
Alabama basketball has been snake-bit this year. Numerous players, such as Latrell Wrightsell, Aden Holloway, Keitenn Bristow, Taylor Bol Bowen, and Jalil Bethea, have missed games already this season. Freshman Amari Allen may be added to that list.
Nate Oats revealed this week that Allen is dealing with a hip pointer, which is causing quite a bit of discomfort for the impressive freshman guard. Whether he will miss time is unknown, but it seems likely that he will sit out on Wednesday night against USF.
Alabama women's basketball stays perfect with rout of Sam Houston
Alabama women's basketball moved to 12-0 on Tuesday night with a 73-36 rout of Sam Houston. The Crimson Tide blitzed out to a 47-18 halftime lead and coasted in the second half.
It was a team effort, with four players finishing in double figures in scoring: Ta'Mia Scott, Ace Austin, Naomi Jones, and Jessica Timmons.
Kristy Curry's team plays again on Wednesday night at home against Tulane. They will finish up non-conference action on Sunday against Troy.