The Roll Tide nation is starting to sweat, and nobody expected this to be the storyline heading into LSU week. The No. 4-ranked Alabama and LSU are both coming off a bye week, but instead of talking matchups and legacy, the convo shifted straight into fear and semi-frustration. This should have been one of those classic Alabama layup spots, especially with Brian Kelly long gone. But with injuries stacking up at the worst possible time, it’s now creating genuine doubts about whether Kalen DeBoer can keep this championship push alive.

On November 5, Alabama insider Nick Perkins hopped on X and questioned Alabama’s injury list, especially coming off a bye week: “Another week of me asking wtf we are doing at practice for the injury report to look like this COMING OFF A BYE.” That’s too many bodies for a team aiming for a top-four seed and a spot in the SEC title game. It’s very unusual for a team to have this many injuries coming off a bye. Alabama simply can’t afford to drop points now.

The team will be without several key players, most notably on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s begin with the only real good news. Ryan Williams is back and listed as probable, meaning he’s very likely to suit up and give the offense more confidence. Meanwhile, tight end Danny Lewis Jr. is listed as questionable, so there’s still a chance he could play. That’s basically the end of the good news.

Unfortunately, several other players are confirmed out. That includes defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a lower-body injury. The Tide will also be without multiple linebackers, including Cayden Jones, Jah-Marien Latham, and Qua Russaw. Alabama’s defense will need to adjust and step up with so many pieces missing.

On a positive note, offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark is expected to play. He practiced throughout the week and appears ready to go against LSU. Kalen DeBoer even said, “Making good progress. I expect him to be ready to go.” We’ll take DeBoer’s word for it. At last, there’s another absence for a different reason. Defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is suspended indefinitely following an arrest. Alabama last made the College Football Playoff in 2021. That was Bryce Young’s Heisman year. They beat Cincinnati in the semifinal (Cotton Bowl) and then lost to Georgia in the National Championship game. Since then, it’s Fugazi.

The playoff stakes for Bama

Beyond the injury report, let’s look at how the Tide has been playing this season. Their offense has been a bit of a mixed bag. Due to their poor running game, they rely a little too much on Ty Simpson’s arm talent. So far, it hasn’t let them down. Alabama’s average of 291.6 passing yards per game places them 15th in the nation, but their rushing attack ranks much lower at 114th, with 118.9 yards per game.

When it comes to scoring, they’re putting up a solid 34.4 points per game. Where they’ve really shone is on defense, which is ranked 20th nationally. They’ve been a tough unit all year, holding opponents to just 18.2 points per game. This matchup holds massive weight in the College Football Playoff race.

Alabama sits at No. 4, which currently gives them a projected first-round bye under the new 12-team format. One win this weekend could practically secure that spot. But a loss? That would be catastrophic. It could knock them out of the top four entirely and rip away their SEC title shot before it even gets here. Programs like Georgia and Ole Miss are circling and praying for Kalen DeBoer to trip like he did last season. However, history hasn’t been kind to anyone expecting Alabama to fall when it matters most.