Losing a starting outside linebacker, one who many thought would probably be your best pass rusher this season on a defense that struggled a year ago to get consistent pressure without blitzing, is the type of injury that could deal a significant blow to a title contender.
That's exactly the situation Alabama was facing when third-year Wolf LB Qua Russaw went down with a broken foot during Alabama's 24-21 win over Georgia at the end of September.
It was going to need fellow third-year Wolf LB Yhonzae Pierre, known as having elite pass-rushing potential, but who had shown little in terms of setting an edge, to morph into an every-down player.