Nick Saban Announces 2 Key Defenders Will Not Be Playing in Citrus Bowl

It's still strange to see Alabama playing in a (meaningless) Bowl game, following a six-year long streak of competing in the College Football Playoff.

With the Crimson Tide's historical run of dominance coming to an abrupt end (for now), several players have decided to pass up to opportunity to play in the upcoming Citrus Bowl, as DE Terrell Lewis and DB Trevon Diggs will not be participating, in order to focus on the NFL Draft.

With two of his top defenders not dressing, Nick Saban will have to get creative if he hopes to overcome the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines' offense, which includes the likes of Shea Patterson.

While 'Bama is known for having incredible depth across the board, there should be a noticeable drop-off from potential first-rounders Lewis and Diggs to their understudies. On the other side of the ball, we should expect to see every healthy member of the Wolverines on the field for this New Year's Day match-up.

In what could be a major prove-it victory for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, the Wolverines will need to take advantage of the inexperienced defenders who will be starting in place of Lewis and Diggs for the Crimson Tide.