Nick Saban is one win away from capturing his seventh national championship as a head coach.
After securing a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame in a College Football Playoff semifinal (Rose Bowl) matchup at AT&T Stadium, the Alabama head football coach updated reporters on the status of two defensive players. Malachi Moore, a freshman, has been dynamic all season in the secondary. He’s allowed only one touchdown and leads the team with three interceptions.
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Despite being dressed out and making the trip, the alumnus of Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School did not play against the Fighting Irish. Fans of the Crimson Tide were highly concerned, but Saban said the former four-star sustained an injury versus Florida in the SEC Championship Game. Due to him getting banged up, Alabama played DeMarcco Hellams and Brian Branch more.
Saban did not specify what Moore’s injury was, however, he said ‘exercise aggravates the injury’ for him.
He is listed as day-to-day.
Christian Harris, a sophomore, did not play much in the second half.
Fans saw more of Jaylen Moody at the other inside linebacker position, opposite Dylan Moses. Harris totaled five tackles and recorded his first interception of the season. Coach Saban said nothing was wrong with him, but the team wanted to prevent an injury from possibly happening to Harris. With this being said, Saban decided to pull him out of the game in the second half.
The absence of both did not hurt the team, but it will be good to get them rested for the CFP National Championship showdown.
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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
