Paul Finebaum explains why Alabama could be in trouble without Bryce Young
One person is on the minds of everyone in Tuscaloosa — quarterback Bryce Young. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner suffered a shoulder injury against Arkansas and for now, his status for the Texas A&M game is unknown. Even further down the line, Young could be affected the what Nick Saban called an AC joint problem.
Due to Young’s status, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum said Alabama could be in trouble. Not because of the showdown against Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa but Finebaum was looking a week ahead. It will be the Third Saturday in October, which means Tennessee is on the schedule. Having Young back could be the difference for the Crimson Tide.
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“I think it’s reasonable except for this reason,” Finebaum began. “Against Tennessee next week, he’s going to need to play and he’s going to need to play effectively. I’m not sure that’s possible. I don’t want to act like I have ever [played] quarterback in a stadium with 100,000 people but I have talked to people who have. You can shoot somebody up with an AC joint but it still hurts. It still effects your accuracy.”
“This week — come on,” said Finebaum. “They’re playing Texas A&M. That could be 100 to nothing. But next week is different at Neyland Stadium against Hendon Hooker and a high-flying Tennessee offense.”
Josh Heupel has built up one of the best offenses in the country behind Hooker, averaging 48.5 points per game through four contests. Even if Alabama is able to slow the Volunteers down, a quarterback such as Young will be needed to keep pace throughout four quarters.
Heather Dinich agrees Alabama could be in trouble
ESPN College Football Playoff insider Heather Dinich agreed with Finebaum, saying Alabama could be in trouble due to Young’s injury. She said because of Jalen Milroe‘s struggles throwing the ball downfield against Arkansas, the Crimson Tide might not be able to run the same offense.
“Fact, they are in trouble,” Dinich said. “Jalen Milroe struggled to throw the ball downfield. 0 for 4 on passes 10 yards or greater. But to be clear, Nick Saban said this is an AC joint. He said it’s not a serious injury. He’s day-to-day.”
Milroe was more effective on the ground this past Saturday, changing the game with a 77-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Despite playing the majority of the game, Milroe was only able to get 75 passing yards.