According to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Wednesday afternoon, Missouri Tigers running back Nate Noel is expected to miss Saturday’s game with the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.
A big loss for the Tigers, Noel is currently Missouri’s leading rusher on the season, and has rushed for 503 yards and two touchdowns on 85 attempts. Averaging 5.9 yards per carry, Noel is also the most experienced member of the Missouri backfield, and is a transfer from Appalachian State who had over 3,000+ rushing yards from 2020-23 with the Mountaineers.
Noel also ranks third for Missouri in receptions this season with 14, which he has turned into 45 yards.
With Noel now reportedly listed as out for Saturday, Missouri will likely turn to Marcus Carroll as their top running game at Alabama, while quarterback Brady Cook is also a prominent rusher. For the season, Carroll, a Georgia State transfer, has 66 carries for 321 yards and six touchdowns, and is averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.
Sources: Missouri leading rusher Nate Noel (foot) will miss game at No. 15 Alabama on Saturday. He’s No. 21 Missouri’s most productive tailback with 503 yards and an average of 5.9 yards per carry. pic.twitter.com/EaPW1zR05f
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 23, 2024
The full SEC Availability Report for Alabama vs. Missouri in Week 9 is set to come out later Wednesday night.