Although one ESPN analyst (David Pollack) wrote off Alabama’s chances at a national championship, due to a season-ending injury to Jaylen Waddle, another analyst from the same company sees it differently.
According to Trevor Matich, who played center at Brigham Young University (BYU) and spent 12 years in the National Football League, he feels as though the Crimson Tide will keep moving forward on offense.
Even with the explosive impact Waddle brings, Matich sees no major changes for the Tide.
Jaylen Waddle may be out for the season, but don’t expect to see too many changes from the Crimson Tide. pic.twitter.com/JsQUYn957r
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 31, 2020
“They still have a good stable of wide receivers,” Matich said of Alabama. “John Metchie has had a breakout year already so far. Slade Bolden, who is the backup to Waddle, is a terrific playmaker in his own right. They will be able to do all of the same things.”
Alabama knows it does not have another player that’s as fast or as explosive as Waddle; however, it does have some pieces that can cushion the blow.
Metchie, a sophomore, has been recently added to the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Bolden totaled six receptions for 94 yards versus Tennessee in replacing Waddle.
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Also, the Tide still has DeVonta Smith.
The senior is regarded as one of the best weapons in college football. Nick Saban will also add a true freshman into the mix — Javon Baker — at some point soon.
Alabama is scheduled to face Mississippi State on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. CT at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
