It's been one of the most discussed topics surrounding No. 1 Alabama's tilt with undefeated SEC West foe Ole Miss.

Is Blake Sims healthy and will he play?

On two separate press availabilities Wednesday, UA coach Nick Saban emphatically stated Sims hasn't had any issues throwing the football.

For the past two weeks, the senior quarterback remained limited during practices with a sore shoulder he injured during a third quarter scramble against Florida.

He was on, what Saban termed, a "pitch count."

Essentially, Sims didn't fully participate during practices, although he was always there, taking repetitions off here and there to limit his throwing and avoid shoulder fatigue.

During the media viewing availability of practice during the previous two weeks, usually the first eight minutes or so, Sims rarely threw the football and when he did it was generally an arcing pass without much velocity on it.

Not to worry, though, Saban said, Sims has been no worse for the wear during practices.

Wednesday morning on the SEC coaches teleconference, Saban said, "Blake has done very well in practice. He hasn't had any issues this week so far in terms of being able to throw the ball. We're really pleased with the way he's progressed. He's been able to take all the reps that he's prescribed to take, so we're pleased with that."

Wednesday evening during his regular evening press conference Saban said it again.

"Blake's fine, he's done really well. Hasn't had any issues or problems. Looks like his old self, I would not know that he was ever hurt based on the way he's practiced and the way he's played. He hasn't had any discomfort at all after doing it, which I think is the real key to it."

On the season, Sims is 71 of 97 for 1,091 yards eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Saturday's game is Sims' first true road game.

Ole Miss' rushing numbers aren't likely to put a scare into Alabama's defense, a unit so stout against the run that most opponents have simply given up trying.

Through four games, opponents totaled 93 rushing attempts, the fewest in the country, an average of less than 24 carries a game.

It's a trait in which UA defenders take pride: making the other team one-dimensional.

"It's rewarding for us because the defensive line gets excited because we get to pass rush a lot more and get after the quarterback," sophomore defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson said.

Combine Alabama's stinginess against the run with Ole Miss' struggles to run the ball, and on the surface the matchup heavily favors the Crimson Tide.

The Rebels rank 11th in the conference and 76th nationally in rushing offense out of the read option offense.

Jaylen Walton leads the team with 199 yards on 29 carries. I'tavius Mathers has 151 yards on 31 carries. Both backs are smaller than the normal SEC running backs, Walton 5-foot-8, 166 pounds and Mathers is 5-11, 190 pounds.

"Yea, a little smaller, but they're more quicker and fast twitch," Tomlinson said.

"I think they have some pretty good, talented running backs and a good running game this year, so this is going to be pretty challenging stopping the run. But I think we've been doing a good job so far in the year so I think we're going to stand up pretty good against their running game."

Senior wide receiver DeAndrew White remained limited during practice and Saban didn't update his progress Wednesday night.

Saban did confirm the statutes of two reserve players, updating that redshirt freshman running back Tyren Jones had surgery on his finger and sophomore offensive lineman Grant Hill is out with an illness.

"…Tyren Jones tore a tendon in his finger, which required surgery. So he'll be out probably for several weeks," Saban said. ". Grant Hill is ill and has missed practice the past few days because of illness. We're trying to help him get well and we'll see when he'll be back and be able to contribute to the team. But he's very questionable for this game based on what he's missed so far."

During interviews Tuesday afternoon, senior tight end Brian Vogler revealed a tribute to late former Auburn tight end Phillip Lutzenkirchen in the form of a blue and orange bracelet on his right wrist.

Lutzenkirchen died in a June car crash.

The two became friends with Vogler from Columbus, Ga., and Lutzenkirchen from Marietta, Ga. Lutzenkirchen hosted Vogler during his official visit to Auburn his senior year of high school.

"We stayed connected over the last couple of years," Vogler said. "I was fortunate enough to have time off to go to the memorial service and go see his family, just remember his life with them.

"It was a really unfortunate thing that happened. I think it brought out all the good things that he's had in his life. Obviously, it makes you step back and want to be the sort of person he was."

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.