The biggest question ahead of the much-anticipated showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Vols is whether or not Bama quarterback Bryce Young will play.

Young, the Heisman Trophy winner last season, is dealing with a shoulder injury on his throwing arm. He missed Alabama's win against Texas A&M last Saturday.

For now, it's unclear if he's going to play against Tennessee.

And comments from Nick Saban this week have clouded the situation even more.

Saban said on Wednesday evening that Young has practiced on a "pitch count" this week.

Nick Saban on Bryce Young, on a pitch count, in preparation to play at Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/P7nt6nrkuR

— Dan Harralson (@danharralson) October 12, 2022

It's pretty clear what Saban is doing. He wants Tennessee to be as confused as possible when it comes to preparing for Alabama's quarterback situation.

So instead of going the Josh Heupel route and being extremely vague when it comes to injuries, Saban is putting mixed signals out there.

Young is practicing some but he's on a pitch count. How in the world do you take that if you're Tennessee?

You gotta feel like it means Young will play. But then again, maybe he's nowhere close to being healthy (remember, he wasn't even throwing the ball during warmups before the Texas A&M game). Maybe Saban wants to give the illusion that Young will play before trotting Jalen Milroe out there again.

Or maybe Bryce is close to 100 percent and won't be limited against the Vols. Saban in that case is trying to make seem like he's compromised and won't be his normal self on Saturday, which could alter the way the Vols' defense approaches the game.

It's hard to know what Saban is doing or what all his comments mean. But that's likely his goal. It's why he's the best in the business.

Tennessee is going to have their work cut out for them regardless of who's under center for the Crimson Tide.

Featured image via Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports