Jam Miller Returns to Practice as Tide Ramps Up for 'Revenge Game'

The mood in Tuscaloosa is shifting from frustration to focus. As Alabama prepares for Friday's win-or-go-home playoff matchup against Oklahoma, they received the best possible news on the injury front: RB Jam Miller is back.

Miller, who has been sidelined since the Iron Bowl with a lower-body injury, was spotted participating in drills during the media viewing period on Monday. His absence was glaring in the SEC Championship loss, where the Tide managed negative rushing yards against Georgia. His return gives Kalen DeBoer the explosive, dual-threat option needed to challenge Oklahoma's linebackers.

Addressing the "Disrespect"

While Miller's return provides physical reinforcement, the team's mental edge seems sharpened by the narrative of the last month. Oklahoma's 23-21 regular-season win in Bryant-Denny Stadium left a sour taste, and the subsequent "disrespect"—being seeded No. 9 and sent on the road—has become a rallying cry.

"We know what happened last time," a defensive captain said post-practice. "We beat ourselves with turnovers. They think they own us now. We're going to Norman to remind them who Alabama is."

Impact on the Game Plan

With Miller back, expect Alabama to try and establish the run early to silence the crowd in Norman. In the first meeting, the Tide became one-dimensional. A healthy Justice Haynes paired with a fresh Jam Miller allows Alabama to control the clock and keep the Sooners' offense on the sideline—something they failed to do in November.