John Metchie smiled about two things in Alabama’s Cotton Bowl victory over Cincinnati.
He is not participating in the College Football Playoff because of an injury, but watching his teammates honor him with the “Crane Kick” celebration and Ja’Corey Brooks emerging in his absence means everything to Metchie.
Since the matchup against Auburn, Brooks is becoming another primary target at wide receiver for Bryce Young. As a freshman from Miami, Fla., Brooks recorded a 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the Iron Bowl.
He tied the game at 10, and Alabama would earn a 24-22 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium.