Alabama Near Full Strength Ahead of Rose Bowl Clash With Indiana
As Alabama gears up for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against Indiana in the Rose Bowl, the Crimson Tide is hitting its stride at just the right time - and that’s not just coach-speak.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer made it clear earlier this week: this is the healthiest Alabama has been in quite a while. And the latest availability report backs that up. While a few key names will be sidelined, the overall picture is one of a team getting closer to full strength - and just in time for the biggest game of the season.
Who’s Out
There are still some losses to navigate. Linebacker Jah-Marien Latham and defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman are both officially out for the year.
That’s a hit to the defensive front, no question. Latham has been a steady presence, and Beaman, though younger, was carving out a role.
Defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is also unavailable due to suspension.
Beyond that trio, Alabama will be without defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, along with defensive back Bryson Bonds and running back Lee Beebe Jr. None of those absences are insignificant, but the Tide’s depth - especially along the defensive line - gives them some breathing room.
The Return of LT Overton
The real headline here is who’s not on the injury report - and that’s defensive lineman LT Overton. After missing both the SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia and the CFP first-round win over Oklahoma due to an undisclosed injury, Overton looks set to return to action. That’s a major boost for Alabama’s defensive front.
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack gave an encouraging update earlier this week, saying Overton is “certainly on track” to play. And there’s more than just talk - Overton was spotted at practice in a full crimson jersey, taking part in warm-ups and reps with the defensive line. For a unit that thrives on rotation and experience, getting Overton back in the mix is a big deal.
“To have him in this game, his experience, certainly his excitement of wanting to get back out on the field and go compete with his teammates,” Wommack said. “He’s an ultimate competitor.”
Overton’s return brings not only physical presence but also leadership and postseason experience - something that can’t be overstated with so much on the line.
Special Teams Update
On the special teams front, kicker Brendan Franke is listed as probable. That’s good news for Alabama, as consistency in the kicking game becomes even more critical in tight postseason matchups.
What It All Means
With kickoff set for 3:10 p.m. CT on Thursday, Jan.
1, Alabama enters the Rose Bowl with a roster that’s as close to full strength as it’s been in weeks - maybe months. Yes, there are players who won’t suit up, but the return of a difference-maker like Overton and the overall health of the team paints a promising picture for the Tide.
In a playoff setting where every snap matters, having your key contributors available - and hungry - can be the difference between moving on and going home. Alabama looks ready for the moment.