T’was the eve before the Allstate Crossbar Classic and Tuscaloosa was buzzing. With No. 3 Alabama and No. 11 Texas hours away from kickoff, the Crimson Tide received some good news in one of the game’s defining matchups.

According to multiple reports, Alabama will have a veteran leader available in its secondary. ESPN’s Chris Low posted on Friday night that star defensive back Malachi Moore “is expected to play” versus the Longhorns.

Low’s report backed up a post from On3′s Matt Zenitz released earlier on Friday that said the Tide felt “continued optimism” on the status of both Moore and UAB transfer Jaylen Key, who recorded an interception in Week 1. Low also reported Key is “TBD.”

Their statuses improved throughout the week after UA head coach Nick Saban said the injuries “might be a problem” last Saturday. Both had been practicing and in subsequent interviews, Saban appeared confident about their ability to at least warm up before the 6 p.m. kickoff.

The Tide will need its two key defensive pieces against Texas’ quarterback Quinn Ewers, wide receiver Xavier Worthy and play-caller — Texas head coach and former Saban assistant — Steve Sarkisian. Alabama safety DeVonta Smith was already unavailable due to a foot injury.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].