Tide fights through injuries

STARKVILLE, Miss. | With two games remaining on the regular-season schedule, the University of Alabama’s fortunes where injuries are concerned depend on one’s perspective.

Among the players not already lost for the season, surprisingly few are nursing minor injuries given that the season is in its 11th week. But compared to last year, when almost all the Crimson Tide’s regulars sailed through the season unscathed, 2009 has been a more painful journey.

“I don’t think we lost anybody for the season last year, especially a starter,” Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said earlier this week. “We’ve had I don’t know how many games missed by starters this year, probably 20 or 30, and we probably had five last year, so those guys never come back. That affects the depth on your team, and sometimes the wear and tear a little bit.”

The injury that has affected UA the most came when linebacker Dont’a Hightower was lost for the season against Arkansas on Sept. 26. True freshman Nico Johnson stepped in for Hightower at the weakside position, although senior Cory Reamer made the start at the weakside spot against Mississippi State.

Reserve defensive end Damion Square was also lost for the season with a knee injury, and although Square had not yet made a significant impact, Saban has noted that playing time was in store for the redshirt freshman.

Wide receiver Julio Jones missed all of one game and most of another with a knee bruise, while running back Roy Upchurch has missed time with an ankle sprain. Both Jones and Upchurch, however, have said they are feeling as good physically now as they have all season. Jones turned in his best performance of the season against LSU with 102 receiving yards and a touchdown. Upchurch saw action Saturday against Mississippi State.

Running back Terry Grant was not on the dress roster for Saturday’s game against Mississippi State because of a muscle pull. True freshman Eddie Lacy, who remains eligible for a redshirt, made the trip to Starkville. Tight end Colin Peek’s knee sprain has been on the mend, and the senior saw more action against the Bulldogs than he did last week in UA’s win against LSU.

“Of the players that we have available, I think we’re pretty healthy, but we’ve lost a few good players and I think that’s affected us to some degree,” Saban said.

Saturday, running back Mark Ingram was injured on a short touchdown run when his helmet came off during the play and the sophomore was struck in the head. Freshman Trent Richardson and Upchurch finished the first half for Ingram. Safety Justin Woodall also missed a few plays in the first quarter. Woodall was replaced by senior Ali Sharrief, but returned shortly after.

Saban’s Milestone

With Saturday’s win, Saban posted back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in his career. Saban’s 2001 team at LSU compiled a 10-3 mark and won the Southeastern Conference championship, following with an 8-5 season in 2002. In 2003, Saban’s Tigers were 13-1 in a national championship season, but followed with a 9-3 mark in 2004.

Alabama was 12-2 last season.

Bulldogs in black

Mississippi State wore its maroon jerseys during pregame warm-ups, but when the team captains hit the field for the coin toss in black jerseys, a capacity crowd roared at Davis-Wade Stadium. According to MSU media relations, it was the first time the Bulldogs have worn black jerseys. From a distance, with maroon helmets and white pants, the uniforms looked strikingly similar to South Carolina’s home uniforms.

Tide Bits

Surprisingly enough, the opposing passer with the best quarterback rating against Alabama this season came from non-conference North Texas signal-caller Nathan Tune, a backup who filled in for injured starter Riley Dodge. Tune’s rating in a 53-7 loss to the Crimson Tide was 129.93. Only three other opposing quarterbacks have been over 100: Tennessee’s Jonathan Crompton (123.78), Florida International’s Paul McCall (109.93) and LSU’s Jordan Jefferson (105.82). … Two Mississippi State freshmen who were recruited by Alabama, Chad Bumphis and Fletcher Cox, have made a significant impact in their first seasons with the Bulldogs. Bumphis had two catches for 28 yards and four kick returns for 114 yards, including a 50-yarder. He entered Saturday with 26 catches for 290 yards at receiver, leading the team in both categories. Cox has made 21 tackles, including 3.5 for losses and a sack for MSU. … Alabama sophomore defensive back B.J. Scott was not on the dress roster for the Mississippi State game, nor was running back Demetrius Goode. When last asked about Scott, Saban said a redshirt for the Mobile native is a possibility. … UA’s team captains for the MSU game were linebacker Rolando McClain, linebacker Cory Reamer, wide receiver Julio Jones and offensive guard Mike Johnson.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com, or at 205-722-0196.