TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Crimson Tide, ranked 11th, will be without their All-American safety Malachi Moore for the upcoming bowl game against Michigan due to an injury that has troubled him for much of the season.

Coach Kalen DeBoer announced that Moore is set to undergo surgery, which will keep him on the sidelines for the ReliaQuest Bowl taking place on December 31 in Tampa, Florida. He did not reveal specific details about the injury.

“He’s been dealing with this injury for a significant part of the season, and it reached a stage where participating in the game was not feasible,” DeBoer stated to the media after a practice session on Wednesday. “Moore was eager to contribute and did everything in his power to be fit, hoping that he could still have a role in the game.”

Moore, a fifth-year senior, has had an impressive season, earning second-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. He recorded 70 tackles, two interceptions, and led his team with eight pass breakups. His statistics also include three tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

DeBoer confirmed that Alabama will use a combination of younger players at the safety position to fill the gap left by Moore, highlighting the potential contributions of Zavier Mincey.