And it could not have come at a better time
Alabama finally receives definitive upbeat injury news today, as a trio of Tide starters will return just when they’re needed the most.
The heart of both lines return — Race Delgatty and Terrance Green — and the Tide returns its most dynamic playmaker in the passing game, Ryan Coleman Williams.
Green’s loss has affected almost everything ‘Bama wants to do defensively. TG not only occupies a lot of space, his ability to pressure the pocket commands doubles from opposing lines. His loss has also had a knock-on effect in the pass rush. Before his injury, Devan Thompkins led the team in sacks, at 3.5. Since TG went down, he has not recorded another. Teams are able to commit to double teams on him, limiting his rush. And with opponents able to throw another chip on Devan, he’s not able to win his solo battles as often to set the edge against the run.
Race’s loss has been every bit as detrimental to Bama’s offense, who can’t open a hole between the tackles now if they had two sticks of dynamite, brought some roses and paid for dinner. It has been a no-go zone. Likewise, Poe and Waldrep were not commanding the attention of multiple defenders; they were flat out getting whipped, allowing opponents to wreak havoc and get pass pressure with just down linemen.
In a game that will almost certainly be decided by the big uglies, getting the heart and soul back of both lines is a literal game changer.
Roll Tide!
No. 4 Alabama kicks off against No. 7 LSU in Baton Rouge at 2:30 Central. It is ABC’s national game of the week, and is available on broadcast television, as well as Sling and YT TV. The hometown Tigers have vaulted to a six-point favorite.
For an analytical preview of the matchup, just click the link below. For a feature on LSU’s secret weapon, check out Hayate’s piece on Trey’Dez Green below as well — RTR
