Hours before the College Football Playoff national championship between Alabama and Ohio, the main issue has to do with Jaylen Waddle, Alabama’s injured star.
He goes to play?
Here’s what we know earlier this afternoon: It seems likely that Waddle will play Ohio State, but a final determination will not be made before the pre-game warm-up, according to sources. After the pre-game warm-up, Waddle, his family and Alabama will meet and make the final decision on whether he will participate in the game.
If he ends up playing, it will provide a significant boost to an already dynamic Crimson Tide offense.
Before suffering an ankle fracture against Tennessee on October 24, Waddle – who returned to training last week – recorded 25 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns in Alabama’s first four games.
Update (17:30 CT): Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke with ESPN about Tide’s plan with Waddle. “I think (as we use it) it will be on a limited basis, if he can play,” said Saban. “It will be up to him.”
Matt Zenitz is a senior football reporter for the SEC at Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.