TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Tua Tagovailoa has said he will play in Alabama’s Orange Bowl semifinal matchup against No. 4 Oklahoma in 10 days. And he maintained that stance Wednesday morning.

“I’ll probably be at 100 percent by the time the game comes, that’s my prediction. Definitely,” Tagovailoa told local reporters. “Full expectation is I’m going to play.”

Tagovailoa left the SEC Championship Game versus then-No. 4 Georgia on two different occasions, with the last keeping the sophomore signal caller on the sideline for the full contest after left tackle Jonah Williams stepped on his right foot. He was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain that required a scope and only wore a walking boot and using a scooter the week after surgery.

This week at practice, Tagovailoa has been a full participant during the media viewing periods, and Nick Saban said he is ahead of schedule. His left ankle has been wrapped and head trainer Jeff Allen has stood close by to observe, but he has shown no signs of limitations in five practices.

“He’s doing well,” Saban said. “I think he’s probably ahead of schedule. He’s been able to take a lot of reps. He’s been able to throw the ball from the pocket. He can run. I don’t think he’s 100 percent change in direction yet, but he’s already going 100 percent on the gravity treadmill. So, he’s been able to practice, and he’s made really, really good progress, so we’re encouraged by that.”

Tagovailoa confirmed he’s not yet able to cut, but he has been able to take part in footwork drills and work on his dropbacks. He didn’t want to put a percentage on his current health but said, “by the time the game comes, I should be doing everything the same way I was in Week 1.”

“I’m doing great,” Tagovailoa said. “We’re just working at a process of trying to run. We’ve got to do drills yesterday and it felt pretty good. … It’s different now because I’m still restricted with what I can do and what I can’t. But other than that, there’s nothing that’s hindering me too much. I mean, it’s just the surgery that hurts. My ankle’s fine and everything’s fine. Just the scars.”

The Crimson Tide will practice again Wednesday, Dec. 19, at approximately 1:50 p.m. CT and one more time before departing for Miami Gardens, Fla. No. 1 Alabama will face No. 4 Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl semifinal on Saturday, Dec. 29, at Hard Rock Stadium (7 p.m. CT on ESPN).

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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