Alabama took two hits on the field on Saturday: one in an upset loss at Oklahoma, and another, discovered Monday, in the loss of linebacker Deontae Lawson for the remainder of the season.
Lawson was injured early in the game on Saturday, an eventual 24-3 loss in Norman, Okla., to the five-loss Sooners, who have found their first year in the Southeastern Conference to be less than magical. But they did upset Alabama, dealing the Crimson Tide its third loss this season.
AP and coaches polls released on Saturday both still had Alabama (8-3) ranked at No. 13, just one spot out of the College Football Playoff. What will the CFP poll – the one that matters – have the Tide at upon its release on Tuesday night? Great question.
Lawson, described by Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler on the broadcast Saturday as Alabama’s quarterback on defense, was second on Alabama’s ‘D’ with 76 tackles, two sacks, four pass break-ups and 6 ½ tackles for loss.
Justin Jefferson, with 45 tackles and two sacks this season, took Lawson’s role in the rest of the Oklahoma game, and will likely start when Alabama faces archrival Auburn in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC.
