Alabama punched its ticket to the Rose Bowl with a convincing win over Oklahoma, and the good news didn’t stop there. Not only did the Crimson Tide secure a New Year’s Day showdown with Indiana, but they also appear to have dodged a potentially major setback on the injury front.
Two key defensive starters - lineman Tim Keenan III and defensive back Red Morgan - exited the game against the Sooners and didn’t return. That raised some immediate concern, especially with the Rose Bowl just around the corner. But according to a postgame update on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt, Alabama fans can breathe a little easier.
Reporter Holly Rowe shared that both Keenan and Morgan’s injuries are not considered serious. In fact, they were reportedly healthy enough to return if needed. That’s a big deal for a defense that’s been the backbone of Alabama’s postseason push.
Chris Fowler summed it up on the broadcast: “Could have returned tonight. So their presence for the Rose Bowl certainly is reassuring for Alabama fans.”
Translation: Alabama’s defense should be close to full strength when it lines up against an Indiana offense that’s been humming all season.
And if you’re looking for visual confirmation, look no further than Alabama’s postgame celebration. Morgan was right in the middle of it - rose in hand, bouncing with his teammates like someone who’s feeling just fine. It’s not the kind of behavior you’d expect from someone nursing a serious injury.
That moment - as small as it might seem - speaks volumes. Alabama’s coaching staff clearly made the smart call by holding both players out once the game was in hand.
With Oklahoma’s offense struggling to generate momentum, there was no need to risk further injury. And now, the Tide are positioned to take on Indiana with two of their defensive anchors ready to go.
Keenan has been a force on the interior all season, clogging up running lanes and collapsing pockets. Morgan, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the more reliable pieces in Alabama’s secondary, bringing physicality and range to a unit that will need both against Indiana’s balanced attack.
The Rose Bowl is always a stage for stars, and it looks like Alabama will have two of its brightest back in the spotlight.