Nick Saban Gives Update on Bryce Young’s Availability
The Alabama Crimson Tide is set for a top 10 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. The Tide managed to survive last week's encounter with the Texas A&M Aggies while being led by backup quarterback Jalen Milroe due to an injury to the throwing shoulder of Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young.
The Crimson Tide was not in its typical explosive form with Milroe at the helm, scoring only 24 points, turning the ball over four times and passing for just 111 yards. With a 15-year win streak over Tennessee on the line, all thoughts are on the status of Alabama's top signal-caller.
"Bryce continues to practice a little bit more. We’ve got him on a little bit of a pitch count just to ween him back into it and see how it goes. We expect him to do even a little more tomorrow. That’s all I really have to say about that," said Alabama head coach Nick Saban during his Wednesday press conference.
Young has averaged 240.4 yards per game passing this season with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He doesn't posses the running ability that Milroe has but he's rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns on the ground to keep the defense honest.
Last week Saban called Young's status "day-to-day" throughout the week and said that he was a "game-time decision". Young dressed out for the Texas A&M matchup but did not throw a pass in warmups while on the field.
The Tennessee Volunteers enter Saturday's matchup with the 128th overall defense against the pass, allowing 307.4 yards per game through the air. However, conversely the Vols have the 22nd ranked defense in total team sacks, getting to the quarterback 14 times or 2.8 times per game.
Young's availability will greatly impact the Alabama game-plan and his presence is vital to the Tide's hopes of extending its winning streak to 16 consecutive years.