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Open Thread: Washington Huskies at Alabama Crimson Tide

Discuss the first of the game of the 2016-17 College Football Playoffs here with your fellow Chargers fans.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

2016 College Football Playoff injuries: Washington’s in the worst shape - SBNation.com
Star linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton tore his right ACL in the SEC Championship and won’t play. Hamilton is a load both against the run and in pass coverage, and his loss will hurt. His replacement at Mike linebacker is junior Rashaan Evans, another once-upon-a-time five-star recruit. At some point, the difference between Bama LBs is academic.

Alabama’s still missing safety and punt returner Eddie Jackson, who fractured a leg against Texas A&M in October. Anthony Averett and Tony Brown have filled in just fine. Bama still has Marlon Humphrey across the field, which doesn’t hurt. Jackson’s absence has been notable on punt runbacks, though: He averaged 23 yards, and replacement Trevon Diggs averages 11. Diggs did have a 47-yarder against Florida in the SEC title game, so maybe he’s getting better.