Alabama Getting Key Reinforcements Ahead of CFP Clash with Oklahoma
Alabama’s road to the College Football Playoff hasn’t exactly been smooth, but as Friday night’s semifinal matchup with Oklahoma approaches, the Crimson Tide are finally getting closer to full strength - and just in time.
A month ago, Alabama looked like a team running on fumes. Injuries piled up, and it showed in a lopsided 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game - a performance that nearly knocked them out of the playoff picture altogether. But Alabama found its way into the field, and now the Tide could be getting a much-needed boost from two key offensive contributors: running back Jam Miller and tight end Josh Cuevas.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb gave a promising update on both players during his Tuesday press conference, signaling that the Tide could have more firepower available for the showdown in Norman.
Let’s start with Miller. The sophomore back sat out the SEC title game after suffering a lower-body injury late in the Iron Bowl, but he’s been trending in the right direction all week. Grubb said he expects Miller to be a “full go” against the Sooners - a major development for an Alabama ground game that was completely shut down by Georgia, finishing with negative rushing yards in that game.
Before the injury, Miller had started to find his rhythm. Against Auburn, he led the charge with 83 yards on 15 carries, showing the kind of burst and vision that Alabama’s run game had been missing for stretches this season.
That performance came after a quieter outing against Oklahoma earlier in the year, where he was limited to just 27 yards on nine carries. In that game, it was redshirt freshman Daniel Hill who stepped up with 60 yards on 15 touches.
But with Miller healthy again, Alabama has a more dynamic one-two punch in the backfield - and that could be crucial against an Oklahoma front that doesn’t give much away on the ground.
As for Cuevas, the senior tight end hasn’t seen the field since Alabama’s regular-season clash with Oklahoma in Tuscaloosa. But what a game he had before going down.
Cuevas posted season highs across the board - six catches, 80 yards, and a touchdown - and looked like a true difference-maker in the passing game. Then came the setback: a foot injury suffered in practice the following week that sidelined him for the final three games of the season.
Grubb didn’t go as far as to declare Cuevas a full go, but he was clearly optimistic. “He’s been looking great,” Grubb said.
“We’re excited to have him back out there.” That sentiment was echoed earlier in the week by quarterback Ty Simpson, who’s leaned on Cuevas as a reliable target and key blocker throughout the year.
Cuevas brings balance to Alabama’s offense. He’s not just a pass-catcher - he’s a willing and capable blocker who helps set the edge in the run game. And for a young quarterback like Simpson, having a tight end who can serve as a safety valve over the middle is huge, especially when facing a defense as aggressive and fast as Oklahoma’s.
Make no mistake: Alabama will need every bit of offensive firepower it can muster to keep pace with the Sooners. Oklahoma’s defense has been one of the most consistent units in the country this season, and they don’t give up much easily. But with Miller expected back in the backfield and Cuevas trending toward a return, Alabama’s offense suddenly looks more complete - and a lot more dangerous.
The Tide may have limped into the playoff, but they’re starting to get healthy at the right time. And in December, that can make all the difference.