As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare to take on the No. 21 Missouri Tigers this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, both teams are dealing with their share of injuries and lineup adjustments. Alabama enters the game ranked No. 15, looking to continue their pursuit of a successful season in the SEC.
On the injury front, Alabama is facing some challenges. The Crimson Tide will be without starting safety Keon Sabb, who has been officially ruled out for the game. According to Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, Sabb will be “down for a while,” which puts additional pressure on the Tide’s secondary. Bray Hubbard is expected to step up in his absence, bringing depth and experience to the defensive backfield.
In another positive development, Red Morgan is listed as probable for Saturday’s matchup. He suffered an injury during the Tennessee game but has shown signs of recovery. Morgan plays a crucial role at the Husky position, rotating with DeVonta Smith to provide versatility and athleticism to Alabama’s defense. His presence on the field could be pivotal as Alabama seeks to control Missouri’s offense.
On the Missouri side, a significant update has emerged regarding their quarterback situation. Brady Cook, the starting quarterback, was initially listed as doubtful for the game due to an ankle injury sustained during the recent contest against Auburn. However, he has been upgraded to questionable as of Friday night, indicating that he is making strides in his recovery. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Cook will “attempt to ramp up and play,” a development that Missouri fans will be watching closely.
Cook’s performance is crucial for the Tigers, especially after he managed to return to the game against Auburn, leading his team to a hard-fought victory at Faurot Field. If Cook is unable to play, Missouri will turn to Drew Pyne, a former quarterback from Notre Dame and Arizona State, which could impact their offensive strategy significantly.
Compounding Missouri’s challenges, their starting running back Nate Noel has been officially ruled out for the game, further depleting their offensive arsenal. This leaves the Tigers in a precarious position as they prepare to face a formidable Alabama defense.
This game presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to bolster their standings in the SEC. Alabama is aiming to rebound from a mixed season thus far, while Missouri looks to maintain momentum following their recent successes.
The Crimson Tide’s defense will be tested, particularly against Missouri’s dynamic offensive plays. If Brady Cook is on the field, he will need to demonstrate effective decision-making and mobility to exploit any defensive lapses from Alabama. The Tide’s defensive line, led by their seasoned front, will be crucial in applying pressure and containing Cook, particularly if he’s not fully recovered from his injury.
For Alabama’s offense, consistency has been key, and they will look to establish a strong run game early on. With the running back depth chart filled with talent, the Tide will aim to control the tempo and keep Missouri’s defense on its heels. Quarterback Jalen Milroe’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will be essential in this matchup, allowing Alabama to capitalize on mismatches.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams face critical decisions regarding their lineups and game plans. With injuries playing a significant role in the preparations, fans can expect a hard-fought battle when Alabama hosts Missouri on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. CT on ABC. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the demanding landscape of SEC football.
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