Dylan Moses Injury is a Catastrophe for Alabama | THE MARK-UP

Your average college football fan will never feel sorry for Alabama -- a program whose depth chart is filled to the brim with 4-and-5-star talent from across the country. They're led by the best coach the sport (collegiate) has ever seen, fueled by an athletic department which knows no monetary bounds, and supported by a fan base always hungry for more. What's not to hate?

Yet, on Wednesday morning, Alabama received some injury news that should make all the above's heads roll tide. Dylan Moses, the face of the Crimson Tide defense and a likely first-round pick come next April, is out for the season with a torn ACL he suffered in practice, for Christ's sake. An already-weak linebacker corps is now pushed to the brink, and a crack is forming at the base of Alabama's defense.

Moses plays the Mic LB position, essentially calling plays for the defense and serving as the coach's on-field extension. His importance cannot be measured, as Moses not only holds his own statistically but also is the unquestioned leader of the Alabama defense, making critical in-game adjustments and holding his teammates accountable.

In Moses' place, Alabama will start the season with TRUE FRESHMAN Shane Lee at his spot. While Lee will have the opportunity to get his feet wet against the likes of Duke Week 1 and New Mexico State (thank you, Saban) Week 2, that's hardly enough time to learn the entire system. Even if Lee can provide some semblance of leadership, he'll be exposed by veteran offensive units. It's just the way of the SEC; there are very rare cases of an unheralded rookie succeeding at such an important defensive position in this conference, especially as the rulebook now allows offenses to get away with an astounding number of rub routes and pick plays, with those of Lee's stature unable to respond in fear of personal foul or PI penalties.

Aside from Lee, fellow true freshman Christian Miller will also be thrown into the fire for Alabama, as the Tide are expected to start two rookies at the LB position against Duke. Once again, they will look impressive against the Blue Devils (ACC lol), but such gaudy statistics won't hold much weight against the likes of Texas A&M, LSU, Auburn and potentially Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

For Alabama to reach its lofty expectations, both Lee and Miller must play beyond their years or risk hindering an unblemished record. There is no room for error, and the Tide now look vulnerable just days before kickoff.