Missouri will look to capitalize on depleted Alabama Football secondary

For Alabama Football a backs-against-the-wall situation is made more challenging by an injury-depleted defensive backfield. The Alabama Crimson Tide offense was especially bad against Tennessee, late when it most mattered. With a healthy secondary throughout the game, Alabama might not have needed points late to gain a win.

Going into the season, Alabama Football DC, Kane Wommack announced his intention to regularly rotate his defensive backs. Given the limited (or no) experience of most of the secondary, rotating made sense. Against the Vols, 10 Alabama defensive backs were used beyond special teams roles. With four Crimson Tide defensive backs having injuries during the Tennessee game, Wommack was filling gaps rather than rotating.

Starting safety Keon Sabb incurred what is being called a lower extremity injury. Sabb was not 100% going into the game. Alabama football insiders state Sabb broke a foot against Tennessee. Despite the injury, Sabb fought on and made a key pass breakup. He finished the game having played 30 snaps.

Still undisclosed other than being an injury not affecting his participation against Missouri, Zabien Brown played only 15 snaps against Tennessee. Husky starter, DeVonta Smith was also injured in the Tennessee game. Smith played just four snaps. Smith's backup, Red Morgan was the fourth Tide defensive back to be injured against the Vols. Morgan played only six snaps.

Filling the secondary holes for the Crimson Tide on Saturday were Bray Hubbard, Jaylen Mbakwe, King Mack, and DaShawn Jones. Hubbard played well in 51 snaps as the team leader in solo tackles and second in total tackles. King Mack played 38 snaps and DaShawn Jones played 34 snaps. Mack and Jones had problems making plays.

Brady Cook can create problems for Alabama Football

Unlike past seasons, Missouri quarterback, Brady Cook has been inconsistent. He shined against UMass and Boston College but played a dreadful game in a loss to Texas A&M. In last Saturday's comeback win over Auburn, he went from disappointing Missouri fans to being a hero. Hurt early in the game, Cook was unavailable for a couple of hours while he underwent hospital testing.

Cook made a magical return to the field with Missouri trailing Auburn 17-1 in the fourth quarter. He led his team to two late touchdowns and a victory. Buoyed by the comeback, the resilient Missouri team, led by Cook and outstanding talent at wide receiver, will challenge the Tide's depleted secondary.

On Monday, Kalen DeBoer expressed confidence in Btay Hubbard, who must fill in for Keon Sabb for multiple games. DeBoer also said Zabien Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Red Morgan will practice this week and should be available against Missouri.

Note: Snap counts in this post provided by Pro Football Focus, as published by On3.