Drew Sanders To Remain Sidelined for Mississippi State
Alabama linebacker, Drew Sanders, after suffering a thumb injury ahead of the Crimson Tide's matchup with Texas A&M will miss his second straight game as the Tide travel to Starkville to take on Mississippi State October 16th.
According to Nick Saban, Sanders is practicing this week but the coach said, "He’s not available this week. He’s out there in pads every day but it’s not safe for him to use his hand yet. So he’s not going to play this week."
Sanders, who stepped in after Chris Allen suffered a season ending injury in week one, has played great for the Tide, finding himself in the backfield disrupting plays more often than not. In the five games Sanders has played in this season, the sophomore has registered 20 tackles, one tackle for loss and four quarterback hurries, as well as two pass deflections, giving Alabama fans a much needed sigh of relief with his play.
In place of Sanders against the Aggies, freshman Dallas Turner made his first career start, picking up five tackles, one of which was for a loss. Also filling in the role was sophomore Chris Braswell, who saw time against Texas A&M but didn't record any stats.
Although the pair of Turner and Braswell provide little in terms of experience, the two are both former five-stars and should fill the role nicely as they gain more experience. Turner will likely make the start once more against the Bulldogs, but expect Braswell see time in the rotation.
Alabama's defense struggled mightily up front against the Aggies, being pushed off the ball nearly every down. Mississippi State's offensive line has allowed ten sacks this season, meaning the Tide defense has a great chance to bounce back in a big way.