Adam Griffith Has Stress Fracture in Back

Throughout the season, Alabama head coach Nick Saban indicated that place kicker Adam Griffith was having health issues that affected his performance, though he would not go into detail as to what exactly was ailing the young man.  During media days for the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Griffith explained the situation himself.  Here's a tweet from Marquavius Burnett of the Anniston Star:

Griffith, who started the season well but has struggled since about October, is in his second season with Alabama.  He was the kicker on the infamous "Kick Six" from last season's Iron Bowl, but he also had the kick to force overtime against LSU this year.  Griffith overcame a lot just to be in this position, as was reported earlier this season by D.C. Reeves of the Tuscaloosa News, including living in a Polish orphanage for a time.

Freshman walk-on Gunnar Raborn has handled place kicking duties at times this season as Griffith continues to deal with his injury.