Alabama practice report: Tide finalizes preparations before CFP semifinal

On an overcast, 76-degree Thursday in South Florida, Alabama held its final full practice before its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Oklahoma on Saturday.

The team, which will stage a walkthrough Friday at Hard Rock Stadium, took the field at Barry University in shorts and shells after a series of full-pad workouts in previous days.

Here are some observations from the limited period of access provided to the media:

— All eyes were once again on Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback, who underwent surgery to repair a severely sprained left ankle earlier this month, looked confident as he dropped back and delivered the ball while throwing to uncovered receivers.

— With Deonte Brown suspended, Lester Cotton continued to work at left guard with the first team. The senior started the first eight games this season.

— Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis was spotted stretching and doing jumping jacks with the defensive backs. The freshman cornerback tore a ligament in his right knee during pregame warmups before Alabama’s victory over Arkansas State on Sept. 8 and hasn’t played since.

— Strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran stole the show at the beginning of practice, yelling throughout his call-and-response routine with the players during the flex period.

Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @RainerSabin