With the Iron Bowl chaos now in the rearview and Alabama emerging victorious, the focus shifts to the next mountain: the SEC Championship Game. The No.
10 Crimson Tide are heading to Atlanta to square off against No. 4 Georgia - a rematch that’s loaded with playoff implications and no shortage of intrigue.
As Alabama begins its prep for Saturday, there are a few pressing questions hanging in the air, and they could shape how this heavyweight bout plays out. Let’s break down where things stand.
1. **How serious is Jamarion Miller’s injury?
And could Josh Cuevas be back in the mix? **
Jamarion Miller’s breakout moment couldn’t have come at a more critical time - or ended more abruptly. After weeks of inconsistent production, the sophomore back finally found his rhythm against Auburn.
He was running with purpose, showing burst and vision that had been missing in recent weeks. But just as it looked like he was turning a corner, a lower-leg injury cut his night short.
Postgame, head coach Kalen DeBoer said the team was still evaluating the injury, but the visual wasn’t promising: Miller was spotted on crutches after the game. That’s never a great sign, especially with a physical Georgia front looming.
If Miller can’t go, Alabama’s depth at running back will be tested. The Tide have rotated backs all season, but Miller’s ability to create explosive plays out of nothing is a dimension they’ll miss if he’s sidelined.
On the tight end front, Josh Cuevas has quietly been one of Alabama’s most dependable offensive pieces this season. He’s not flashy, but his value in both the pass game and as a run blocker has been undeniable. Cuevas missed the Iron Bowl due to a lower-body injury suffered in practice, and he was seen on the sideline with his leg elevated on a scooter - not exactly a sign of a quick return.
DeBoer didn’t address Cuevas’ status after the game, but that’s likely to change during the week. In the meantime, Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett are expected to carry the load at tight end, with freshman Jay Lindsay also seeing some action. It’s a capable group, but Cuevas brings a level of consistency that’s tough to replicate.
2. What’s going on with Ryan Williams?
This one’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
Ryan Williams, the former five-star receiver with game-breaking potential, was on the field against Auburn - but you wouldn’t have known it from the stat sheet. According to Pro Football Focus, he ran 20 routes in the Iron Bowl but wasn’t targeted once. That’s right: zero targets, despite being on the field for a solid chunk of the game.
He ranked fourth in snaps among Alabama receivers, trailing Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton, and Lotzeir Brooks. And while he did get some one-on-one looks, the ball never came his way. Part of that could be on the quarterback, part of it could be scheme, and part of it may just be that Williams wasn’t creating the separation the staff wanted to see.
Still, it’s surprising. Williams has flashed elite potential this season, and in a rivalry game where every yard matters, his absence from the game plan stood out. Whether it was a strategic decision, a matchup issue, or something else entirely, it’s a situation worth monitoring heading into Georgia week.
What’s Next?
The Tide are back in the SEC Championship Game with everything still on the table. A win over Georgia would throw Alabama right back into the playoff picture, and potentially shake up the entire postseason landscape.
But to pull it off, they’ll need clarity - and production - from key players like Miller, Cuevas, and Williams. Health, usage, and matchups will all play a role in what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.
The early signing period might be around the corner, but for now, all eyes are on Saturday in Atlanta.