Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed optimism regarding two key players who sustained injuries during the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. The Crimson Tide entered the matchup already missing several contributors and saw linebacker Justin Jefferson and cornerback Zabien Brown exit the game due to injury.
As Alabama prepares for its upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup against Oklahoma, DeBoer shared a positive prognosis for both players. “We haven’t met and got the report, but just going off of last night, I would expect, with the severity, that they’ll both be good to go with the whole week off here,” he stated on Sunday. Both Jefferson and Brown have played pivotal roles on Alabama’s defense this season, with Brown in his second year after taking on a starting role as a true freshman, while Jefferson has risen through the ranks following an unexpected extra year of eligibility.
The SEC Championship Game proved challenging for Alabama, which struggled offensively and faced a formidable Georgia team benefiting from advantageous field positions. Despite the disappointing performance, the Crimson Tide retained its position as the No. 9 seed entering the CFP. This year’s playoffs will see Alabama face Oklahoma, a rematch following a previous encounter earlier in the season.
Reflecting on lessons learned from their past game against Oklahoma, DeBoer emphasized the need for consistent execution. “We moved the ball but it wasn’t as consistent as it needed to be,” he noted, acknowledging that the team failed to capitalize on critical drives in the fourth quarter.
The anticipated playoff game is set for December 19, 2023, at 19:00 CT in Norman, Oklahoma. This matchup will kick off the entire College Football Playoff, with both teams eager to prove themselves on a national stage.
As Alabama gears up for this significant contest, the team remains focused on overcoming the setbacks faced in the SEC Championship and demonstrating resilience in the playoffs. With the return of key defensive players, there is hope that the Crimson Tide will present a considerably different challenge to Oklahoma this time around.