Crimson Notes 4/30/10

Even though we are still in the final moments of April, the preliminary watch list for the famed Lombardi Award has been released.

Alabama left tackle James Carpenter, defensive end Marcell Dareus, and inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower were included in a list of 75 players who have been deemed “watch worthy” during the 2010 season.

The Lombardi is awarded to the best lineman or linebacker in the nation. In 2009, former ‘Bama nose tackle Terrence Cody was named a finalist for the award which was ultimately presented to former Nebraska great…Ndamukong Suh.

In other news, playing the “Iron Bowl” the day after Thanksgiving will present another minor “issue” for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2010.

Just like last season, the Crimson Tide will play a Saturday game before the tussle with Auburn on Friday. To make matters worse, Auburn (like numerous Tide opponents) will have an off week prior to the “Iron Bowl” with Alabama. However, if Nick Saban gets his way, the Tide “could” have more time to rest and prepare for Auburn.

As of now, Alabama is scheduled to face Georgia State the Saturday before the showdown with Auburn. One potential plan is to move the Georgia State game to Thursday night, which would give the Tide basically a week to rest and prepare for the Tigers.

The game with Georgia State (similar to the game with Chattanooga in 2009) is a “cream puff” victory and teeters on the verge of irrelevant. With that said, Alabama will certainly make the game as “painless” for all parties involved.

Let’s be honest…Georgia State is coming to Tuscaloosa for a CHECK, and Alabama is trying to avoid serious injury. Many times you simply have to fill the schedule, and this is a prime example of one of those times.

In the days and weeks to come I’ll provide more information concerning a possible schedule change in respect to this matter.