It's no secret that Alabama's best path to pulling out a road upset over Florida on Sunday would include the availability of star freshman guard Amari Allen.
Against the physical Gators, Allen's impact on the glass cannot be undersold. He's the team's leading rebounder, as well as ranking third on the team in both scoring and assists. He's had a huge impact in his first season in Tuscaloosa.
But his status for Sunday's game remains up in the air. Nate Oats spoke to the media on Friday and said Allen had yet to practice and would be a "game-time decision" for the matchup against Florida. That status was confirmed on Saturday night when Alabama's availability report was released, and Allen was officially listed as questionable.
Amari Allen is officially questionable to play against Florida
Todd Golden and Florida have had Nate Oats and Alabama's number recently. The Gators have won the last four meetings between the two. The main reason for the string of dominance from Florida has been overwhelming Alabama in the paint.
In last season's meeting in Tuscaloosa, Alabama played well overall but got bludgeoned on the glass 50-35 in a five-point home loss. In the SEC Tournament, Walter Clayton Jr. and the Gators' guards proved to be too much.
In this year's meeting, Alabama should have a significant advantage in the backcourt with or without Allen. That's been the obvious weakness for Golden's team this year, and with Labaron Philon, Aden Holloway, and Latrell Wrightsell, you aren't going to find many backcourts who can measure up with the Crimson Tide. Throw Allen in there, and most everyone is cooked.
But this game will come down to how Alabama holds up on the interior. Much to Florida's chagrin, Charles Bediako will play and is likely to have a sizable impact.
More vital than Bediako, however, might be Allen's availability at the O'Dome. Allen is one of Alabama's most physical players and one of the best rebounding guards in college basketball. He's also the Crimson Tide's best defensive matchup for star Florida forward Thomas Haugh.
Alabama is a significant road underdog on Sunday. FanDuel has Florida as a 7.5-point favorite. It will take one of the Crimson Tide's better games of the season - and likely the availability of Allen - to have a shot at springing an upset.
UPDATE:
In the final availability report ahead of Alabama-Florida, Allen was removed, signaling that he's good to go. Big boost for Oats and the Crimson Tide.