Alabama star wide receiver John Metchie III is feared to have suffered a torn ACL during the Crimson Tide’s 41-24 win over No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. Metchie suffered the injury late in the first half of the SEC Championship Game after turning back on a route and appearing to have his knee pop. He was able to walk off the field under his own power but did not return in the second half.
“John Metchie is probably going to be out now, and we have a couple other guys that might be injured,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said after the game. “It creates a lot of opportunities for a lot of other players. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get them to step up.”
Metchie missing time would be a huge hit to Alabama’s offense — and, not to mention, his NFL Draft stock. The Canadian led the Crimson Tide with 90 catches and posted 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns entering the title game. If Metchie can’t go, Jameson Williams will be the only Alabama receiver on the roster that entered Saturday with more than 300 yards receiving.
Despite Metchie’s absence, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young put together a legendary performance against the top-ranked Georgia defense. Young threw for 421 yards — an SEC title game record — three touchdowns and rushed for another score. Heading into the game, Georgia’s defense had not allowed more than 17 points. With Metchie sidelined, five-star freshman Ja’Corey Brooks and sophomore Traeshon Holden both caught passes.
Alabama likely punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff with an SEC title win, but will learn its playoff fate on Sunday when the final CFP Rankings are released.
