Alabama linebacker Christian Harris Could Play in SEC Championship Game

University of Alabama sophomore linebacker Christian Harris has not been ruled out fo the SEC Championship Game, depending on what happens over the next few days.

"He's got a shoulder injury," Nick Saban said on a teleconference with reporters on Sunday afternoon. "He's got a chance to play. We'll just have to see how he progresses this week."

Alabama is set to face Florida in Atlanta on Saturday (7 p.m., CBS).

At least for now it appears that Harris will not need to have surgery with Alabama entering the postseason.

Harris suffered the injury during the first snap of Saturday's 52-4 victory at Arkansas, and was quickly ruled out from returning. He was scheduled to have an MRI on Sunday.

The sophomore is a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. He leads the Crimson Tide with 64 tackles and 2.5 sacks as the Alabama defense improved over the course of the season and leads the SEC in points allowed.

"It's certainly an honor and a privilege to be in the SEC Championship Game," Saban said.

He also called Florida coach Dan Mullen one of the best play-callers in the nation.

During his interview turn, Mullen said the biggest common trait in a Saban-coached team is "talent"

"Obviously they've got talent at every position all over the field," he said. "There's not a lot of weaknesses in any aspect of their game."

Mullen added that Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, who didn't practice last week or play in the LSU game, should be cleared to play against Alabama.

As for if he talked with defensive back Marco Wilson, who had a critical penalty for throwing an opponent's shoe, Mullen had an interesting take:

"I went back to watch the play and he made the tackle,” he said. “Part of the football move, the kid’s shoe was in his hand and he kinda jumped and celebrated with his teammates so it’s pretty unfortunate in that situation. I don’t think there was any intent to taunt. It wasn’t like he was throwing it at their sidelines or doing any of that.”

He added: “It was a huge play. He thought it was possibly the game-winning play and he kinda threw the shoe and went to celebrate with his teammates. Unfortunately it was a penalty. It’s really an unfortunate situation and a mistake instead of somebody really trying to disrespect the game or taunt the opponent or anything of that nature.”

Marco Wilson was flagged for throwing a shoe, following a stop by the Gators, which allowed for a game winning 57-yard FG by LSU (+23)!#LSUvsUF #ShoeGame pic.twitter.com/YKYlz9i5V2
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) December 13, 2020