This is why Bryce Young did not get the start for Alabama vs. Texas A&M on Saturday night.
While he was deemed a game-time decision earlier in the week, Bryce Young was unable to give it a go for the Alabama Crimson Tide in their primetime home game vs. the SEC West rival Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday night.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner suffered what looked to be a serious shoulder injury in the first half of last Saturday’s road game at Arkansas. Jalen Milroe, who got the start on Saturday night vs. Texas A&M, filled in marvelously for Young vs. the Hogs. Although Arkansas briefly challenged the Crimson Tide last week, it was game over after Jahmyr Gibbs hit pay dirt twice.
With Texas A&M going back to Haynes King at quarterback because of Max Johnson’s broken hand, it serves Alabama to give Young an extra week’s worth of rest before a huge road test at cross-divisional rival Tennessee next week.
Bryce Young injury update: Alabama quarterback unable to play vs. Texas A&M
While Young did indeed dress for the game, it became apparent he was not going to get the start when he did not attempt a throw during the pregame warmups. Young may have great dual-threat playmaking abilities, but he is undersized and already hurt himself while scrambling out of the pocket. Fortunately, Milroe plays quarterback similarly enough to that of the Alabama starter.
Although Texas A&M did upset Alabama last year, that primetime game was played at Kyle Field in College Station. Even if starting Milroe hurts the upward trajectory of the Crimson Tide in this one, there is a reason why Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher pivoted off King in favor of Johnson in the first place. King can run with the best of them, but his throwing motion looks incredibly laborious.
Ultimately, Alabama is talented enough to beat a reeling Texas A&M team with one hand behind its back. However, it is not going to be able to beat a surging Tennessee team in Knoxville if Young is unable to give it a go again. Milroe was not fazed by the raucous crowd in Fayetteville, but Neyland Stadium is going to be louder than the inside of a drum on Saturday. Good luck with that!
If Alabama cannot beat the Aggies without Young, the Crimson Tide are not championship caliber.
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