On Saturday, the Missouri Tigers will travel south for their biggest matchup of the season against No. 15 Alabama.
This game will provide Mizzou with its biggest opportunity yet in what is essentially a "make or break" moment for the Tigers' College Football Playoff hopes.
Unfortunately, the Tigers are dealing with a slew of injuries, and on Wednesday morning, it was announced that starting running back Nate Noel might be unable to play.
Per a #Mizzou team spokesperson, RB Nate Noel (foot) is expected to be listed as doubtful on tonight’s SEC-mandated injury report and no decision has been made regarding his status for Saturday’s game at Alabama.
— Eli Hoff (@byEliHoff) October 23, 2024
Noel missed the UMass game two weeks ago due to back tightness, but he was healthy for last week’s game against Auburn and took reps as the starting running back.
During the first drive, Noel suffered a foot injury, and despite attempting to return, the Appalachian State transfer couldn’t get healthy enough to continue playing.
Luckily for the Tigers, their running back depth is strong. If Noel isn’t able to play, Georgia State transfer Marcus Carroll will be in line for another start. Carroll has scored four touchdowns in the last two weeks, but the one-two punch of him and Noel has been electric when both are on the field.
The other standout player for Mizzou last week was freshman running back Jamal Roberts, who scored the game-winning touchdown with 46 seconds remaining. Roberts will surely be in the mix again if Noel isn't able to play on Saturday.
This injury will be crucial to monitor throughout the week, as Mizzou will desperately want its starting running back healthy for the matchup against one of the strongest defensive fronts they’ve faced this season.