Alabama’s Quarterback Plan Takes New Turn Before Vanderbilt Game
Austin Mack is expected to start against Vanderbilt as Alabama considers resting Keelon Russell despite his probable status.
Alabama is poised to begin Austin Mack in Saturday's game against Vanderbilt, offering the experienced quarterback his inaugural career start while Keelon Russell recuperates from an ankle injury. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Russell ought to be available, yet Alabama prefers to keep him sidelined to enable the ankle to mend, putting Mack in charge of safeguarding the No. 3 Crimson Tide's postseason chances during their voyage to Nashville.
Even though Russell was listed as probable in Alabama's latest availability report, the upcoming adjustment does not necessarily imply his exclusion. The Tuscaloosa News also affirmed on Friday that Mack was slated to start. Earlier that same day, On3’s Pete Nakos and Chris Low mentioned that Russell would be a game-time determination.
Thamel's subsequent update hinted at Alabama's choice to employ its backup from the kickoff rather than waiting to ascertain if Russell could contend. Russell suffered a left ankle sprain during last week's 31-13 triumph over LSU. He returned with the ankle wrapped and failed to miss any offensive snaps, concluding the game with 17 completions on 24 attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns.
Over nine games, Russell has thrown for 2,263 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions, alongside 276 rushing yards and five scores. His performance has contributed to Alabama's 7-2 record, keeping them in contention for both the SEC championship and College Football Playoff. Mack's opportunity arises following his loss in the preseason competition to Russell.
He has played in four games thus far, completing three of four passes for 23 yards, and also added a rushing touchdown to his statistics. Coach Kalen DeBoer previously commended Mack's reaction to the setback of not securing the starting position. "He's never faltered, he's never wavered about how he's going to approach things. He's a pro," DeBoer stated.
Mack transferred from Washington to Alabama following the 2023 season. He knows the system, but Saturday would entail duties that his sporadic appearances have not demanded. Across nine career games, he has thrown 39 passes, completing 29 for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Vanderbilt enters the match at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in SEC play.
Alabama still has Chattanooga and Auburn remaining after Saturday's game. Allowing Russell to rest will provide Alabama's starter additional recuperation time before the concluding phase. Implementing this strategy now falls on Mack, whose lengthy wait for a start seems set to conclude with the Crimson Tide requiring a road victory.
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