Alabama football plays Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl in five days. Will its best running back be available against the Wolverines?

Nick Saban said leading Crimson Tide rusher Jase McClellan is progressing and has practiced in the lead up to the CFP semifinal.

“Jase is doing great. He practiced yesterday and today. Looks good. We gave him a lot of time off to try and heal his foot and it seems like its paid off.” Saban said during a welcome press conference at Disneyland.

When it comes to availability, it seems that McClellan should be good to go for the game, as Saban remarked “couldn’t see why not” barring any setbacks.

McClellan, a senior from Aledo, Texas, has battled an ankle injury all year while rushing for six touchdowns. He aggravated the sprain during the Iron Bowl on Nov. 25, which caused McClellan to miss the SEC Championship against Georgia. On Dec. 18, Saban said McClellan progressed to “dry-land running.”

With the Wolverines boasting the nation’s fifth-best rushing defense (allowing 87.1 yards per game), McClellan’s vision and ability to pass protect could make an impact.

If McClellan can’t go, Alabama will rely on senior Roydell Williams (561 yards on 110 attempts) and sophomore Jam Miller (190 yards on 40 attempts), who’ve combined for six touchdowns on the ground. Quarterback Jalen Milroe also averages 39 rushing yards per game.

Alabama held its first practice in Pasadena, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Kickoff is set for New Year’s Day at 4 p.m. CT.

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