Fourth-ranked Alabama (12-1) continued its preparations for seventh-ranked Utah Monday afternoon, working out at the indoor practice facility.
It was the second-straight practice geared toward game-planning for the Utes after an initial three-day focus on fundamentals. The Tide will practice once more on Tuesday before breaking for Christmas.
Alabama and Utah will meet on Jan. 2 in the Sugar Bowl with kickoff set for 7 p.m. The game, which will be played in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, will be televised by Fox.
Here are a few notes and observations from Monday’s brief media viewing period:
• Receiver Nikita Stover (tweaked hamstring) was once again held out of drills and is considered day-to-day. Running back Roy Upchurch (neck surgery) and receiver Will Oakley (collarbone) also sat out Monday’s workout and are not expected to play in the Sugar Bowl.
• Freshman offensive lineman Tyler Love (foot), who has practiced in a black “no contact” jersey for several weeks now, was again in black and again participating in individual drills.
• Also continuing to practice through injury was safety Justin Woodall (finger). He wore a wrap on this left hand during drills and had to have his fingers re-taped at one point during practice.
• Freshman Chris Jackson continued to get looks at defensive back after practicing as a receiver over the course of the fall. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said last week that the coaching staff would be experimenting with position changes during this bowl preparation period but none of the changes are to be viewed as permanent at this point.
• Alabama established an identity as a physical football team over the course of the season, and it’s continuing to practice that way with one game remaining. Defensive back Chris Rogers was seen practicing through a plugged-up, bloody nose.
• Scout team work included running back Ivan Matchett wearing No. 4 for Utah running back Matt Asiata and tight end/defensive end Michael Williams wearing No. 80 for tight end Chris Joppru.
• Several high school coaches lined the sidelines at Monday’s practice as guest observers. High school coaches as well as recruits were also on hand during Saturday’s practice.
• After today’s practice, Saban and select players are expected to address the media. Check back later for updates.
