College Football4 hours ago2 minute read

Alabama Gets Positive Injury News Before Big Matchup With LSU

Ninth-ranked Alabama hopes to welcome back several key starters from injury as they prepare for a matchup against LSU.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Bye week helps Tide recover

The ninth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide could be getting several key starters back just in time for Saturday's road game against the No. 15 LSU Tigers.

Alabama was hit with multiple injuries last month. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, cornerback Zabien Brown, center Racin Delgatty, and defensive tackle Terrance Green were all sidelined.

Following a week off, head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an encouraging update on Monday. He stated that the injured players are headed in a good direction ahead of the game.

DeBoer confirmed that Brown, Coleman-Williams, Delgatty, Green, and freshman running back EJ Crowell are all getting back on the field. He noted that while they are not all at the exact same spot in their recovery, they are going through workouts. Some are taking non-contact reps, while others are participating in team reps.

Roster updates and playoff stakes

The return of these players would be significant. Coleman-Williams led the team in receptions and touchdown catches before suffering an injury against Georgia. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and missed games against Tennessee and Texas A&M.

Delgatty also sat out the last two games with a knee injury. In his absence, Mal Waldrep stepped in at center. Waldrep is now a strong candidate to move to left guard because starter William Sanders is not expected to play following a lower-body injury against Texas A&M.

Brown, a preseason All-America pick, suffered a lower-body injury against Tennessee, which left Alabama thin at cornerback. Green has been fighting a lingering foot injury for several weeks, which has affected his work against the run. Meanwhile, Crowell has provided a spark, rushing for four touchdowns and averaging 6.8 yards per carry as a freshman.

DeBoer emphasized that how their bodies respond after being pushed in practice will determine their availability. This game carries major postseason weight. Alabama and LSU are both sitting with two losses, alongside SEC rivals Texas, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. A third loss could leave them on the outside looking in for the playoff.

What it means for the next game

Alabama Crimson Tide at LSU Tigers (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): LSU Tigers win 65%, Alabama Crimson Tide win 35%; projected score LSU Tigers 29, Alabama Crimson Tide 23. Our safest pick: LSU +4.5.