Why trio of sophomores missed Alabama's road game at USF
TAMPA, Fla. – Alabama was without a few key players in its 17-3 win over South Florida.
Offensive lineman Tyler Booker was in uniform, went through pregame drills with the first-team offense and was even one of the Crimson Tide’s three team captains but did not see the field. Defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis was seen walking around the field in warmups with a walking boot on his left foot, while wide receiver Kendrick Law was not spotted in Tampa.
Following the 14-point win, Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided updates on the trio.
“We had a couple guys miss the game today,” Saban said. “Jaheim Oatis had an ankle injury, so he should be OK. K-Law was sick, so he actually didn’t even make the trip. Very sick, but I think he’ll be OK. And Booker didn’t play.
“And Book’s kind of the leader of the offensive line. He certainly helps (Kadyn Proctor) play better because he plays beside of him, makes him all the calls, and I think 74 has a lot more confidence when he’s in there. So hopefully, we’ll get him back next week, as well.”
Saban clarified that Booker was dealing with back spasms on Saturday afternoon.
Booker was on the Alabama sideline and in the huddle during timeouts, but he seldom donned his helmet. Terrence Ferguson replaced him in the starting lineup for his first career start.
“Very grateful for TJ stepping in there,” said right guard Darrian Dalcourt. “We know what type of player he is, what he brings and we appreciate him stepping in there for us.”
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With Oatis out, senior Tim Smith was back in the starting lineup alongside Tim Keenan and Justin Eboigbe, and the Gifford, Fla., native was second on the defense with nine tackles.
The usual wideouts continued to receive reps, but freshman Jalen Hale was added to the mix with Law out. Defensive back Terrion Arnold replaced Law as the Tide’s kickoff returner and returned a kick for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty. But in replacing Law on kickoff returns, that knocked not only Law but Arnold out of their roles as gunners.
“Special teams changed field position quite a bit,” Saban said. “James (Burnip) with his punting was outstanding. We had a couple others that we could have got down if the gunners would have done a good job. But when you lose players like K-Law and Terrion Arnold are usually the gunners. Well, I don’t like for starters to play on more than two special teams, so he wasn’t a gunner, K-Law wasn’t a gunner and those guys are really good at downing the ball, catching the ball.
“So we’ve got two new gunners in there, but that’s the cumulative effect sometimes when you start to lose players, the next guy’s got to step up.”
Alabama will open SEC play on Saturday, Sept. 23, when it hosts Ole Miss in Tuscaloosa.
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