With Hamilton out, Keith Holcombe stepped in as the starting Mike linebacker -- and it was a seemingly tough game for the redshirt junior.
Not to say this was all on Holcombe by any means, but there was undoubtedly a drop-off in play at that Mike linebacker position and defensively as a whole without Hamilton.
On the Bulldogs' third quarter touchdown that gave them a 21-17 lead, Holcombe was in position to stop Fitzgerald short of the end zone. Instead, Fitzgerald juked Holcombe at about the 2-yard line and charged in for a touchdown.
Once again, this isn't all on Holcombe. Saban said after the game that "we've had more games missed by starters this year than anytime that I've ever been coaching. Not just at Alabama."
Hopefully Holcombe will look back on this game as his worst and laugh.
He may be pressing; hope he improves SOON.