By Erik Harris, sports editor
TUSCALOOSA — The outlook is positive for Alabama freshman Malachi Moore’s availability for the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
The Hewitt-Trussville graduate missed last week’s semifinal win over Notre Dame with what head coach Nick Saban called a nagging injury that originated on Dec. 19, 2020 in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Details remain unclear in terms of the nature of the injury, but junior cornerback Patrick Surtain II provided a brief update on Thursday during a press conference.
“He looked fine,” said Surtain of Moore. “He’s moving out there. He should be ready to go.”
His availability would be impactful for the top-ranked Crimson Tide (12-0). Moore, the season-long starter at the Star position, leads all Alabama defenders with three interceptions on the year. He also has 44 tackles and six pass breakups.
His experience will be needed on Monday night against third-ranked Ohio State (7-0), who knocked off No. 2 Clemson 49-28 in the Sugar Bowl last Friday night.
The CFP National Championship Game will be played in Miami, Fla. on Monday night. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.