Alabama Running Back Jase McClellan Officially Out Against Georgia
The closer the SEC Championship game gets, the better idea we get of both Georgia and Alabama’s situation on the injury front. Yesterday, it was reported that Alabama starting running back Jase McClellan was expected to be out, and now it has been ruled that McClellan has officially been ruled out for Tide, first reported by Austin Hammon. During the 2023 season, McClellan has rushed for 803 yards, six touchdowns and is averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Alabama’s next-best rusher statistically is Roydell Williams who has 497 yards, four touchdowns and is averaging 5.3 yards per carry. A tough loss for the Crimson Tide as they approached their biggest game of the season against a well-rounded Georgia defense. Coming into this game, perhaps the biggest task for the Bulldogs’ defense is going to be containing quarterback Jalen Milroe’s scrambling ability, and how he can add to the run game. However, with McClellan’s injury, one would have to think it does alleviate some of the pressure on Georgia’s defense if the Tide’s top rusher is not available for the championship matchup.
These games will decide Alabama’s College Football Playoff fate this weekend
Alabama football needs to beat No. 1 Georgia in the SEC championship game Saturday to have a chance at making the College Football Playoff. However, the No. 8 Crimson Tide will also need some help to get in to the final field of four.
Here are the games that could impact the Tide’s playoff chances this weekend.
For the No. 2 Wolverines, Saturday’s game is a chance to lock up a playoff spot beyond the shadow of a doubt. For Iowa, it’s the final game of Brian Ferentz’s miserable tenure as offensive coordinator of the Hawkeyes.
The Big Ten championship game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. CT in Indianapolis and will be aired on Fox.
The Pac-12 title game could turn into a de facto national quarterfinal depending on how the other games shake out. No. 3 Washington beat No. 5 Oregon earlier in the season, but the Ducks have looked excellent down the stretch, led by former Auburn QB Bo Nix.
The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Friday in Las Vegas. It will be aired on ABC.
The No. 4 Seminoles are without star quarterback Jordan Travis for the rest of the season. However, a win over the Cardinals in the ACC championship game keeps them undefeated and likely locks up a playoff spot.
The matchup will kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday in Charlotte. It will be aired on ABC.
The Longhorns, currently ranked No. 7 in the nation, dealt Alabama its only loss in Week 2. Texas finishing off its season with a Big 12 championship would lead to a decision for the committee should the Crimson Tide beat Georgia.
Still, UT would hold a head-to-head win. The game is set for 11 a.m. Saturday on ABC.
