Dorsey not a lock for Saturday

D-lineman's injury adds uncertainty against 'Bama

By JOHN ZENOR
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --

It's an Alabama-LSU matchup with a dash of mystery and intrigue and involving a pretty well-known guy who spurned the NFL for a return to college football.

Nick Saban vs. Les Miles?

Hardly, it's No. 3 LSU's defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey - if he plays - leading a formidable front against a Crimson Tide offensive line likely to be starting a pair of backups in Saturday's game.

There is plenty of uncertainty in that key confrontation.

Dorsey, who postponed his NFL career to return for his senior season, sprained his right knee on an illegal chop block by Auburn two weeks ago. He has remained coy about his status this week but has practiced in a brace.

Miles, who is facing former NFL and LSU coach Saban, said his star defender wouldn't have been able to play if the game was last week, when the Tigers (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) had an open date. What about this week?

"We're not going to play him unless he's 100 percent," Miles said. "If he's limited, we're not going to put him on the field. The open week gives us that opportunity."

Dorsey's answer: "When game time comes, if I play, I play."

In other words, the fans and No. 17 Alabama will have to wait and see.

Meanwhile, Tide center Antoine Caldwell and right guard Marlon Davis were among five players suspended on the eve of the Tennessee game two weeks ago for impermissible receipt of textbooks. They are not expected to play, though Alabama officials met with the NCAA in Indianapolis Wednesday regarding the ongoing university investigation.

BJ Stabler started in Davis's spot and Evan Cardwell replaced Caldwell against Tennessee, and the line didn't allow a sack. Quarterback John Parker Wilson takes considerable comfort from that.

"Tennessee had a great defensive front, and I think we did fairly well against them," Wilson said. "Tennessee was the best we've seen up to that game, and LSU will be the best we've seen so far. I think we match up good with them. We've got a good chemistry up front even though our first starters aren't starting."

It is still a bad time to be without two key members of the line. Caldwell had started 32 consecutive games, manning three spots this season.

Dorsey & Co. are the front men of one of the nation's best defenses, which has recorded 22 sacks. Only Vanderbilt (24) has more among SEC teams.

Tackle Marlon Favorite and ends Kirston Pittman and Tyson Jackson have impressed Saban, along with Dorsey.

"Their two inside players have exceptional initial quickness and explosive power," he said. "They're difficult for anybody to block. It will certainly be a challenge for our offensive line. They also have good ends on the edges."