Georgia St. @ Alabama preview

How in the world did this game end up on the schedule? Consider it a combination of Alabama needing a late-season breather and the Crimson Tide giving something back to former coach Bill Curry, who has started the Georgia State program, in the form of a $1.1 million payout to serve as a sacrificial lamb.

No. 12 Alabama (8-2) won’t be defending its national championship this postseason. In fact, the Crimson Tide won’t even get a chance to defend its Southeastern Conference title; that honor will go to the winner of the South Carolina-Auburn game on Dec. 4 at the Georgia Dome. But Alabama still has a lot to play for, particularly in its final regular-season game when the Tide gets the opportunity to derail Auburn’s national championship train.

Although he complained about having a short week of practice, Alabama coach Nick Saban will use this game against Georgia State as a glorified scrimmage game. Knowing the first-year Georgia team has less than no chance, expect Alabama to rest its regulars after they get a modicum of work and give its reserves plenty of snaps. After all, Alabama doesn’t want to get anyone hurt in a game that means very little.

Two Crimson Tide players received honors on Monday. Receiver Julio Jones was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s best receiver; he has 58 catches for 799 yards. Defensive back Robert Lester was named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week for his two-interception performance against Mississippi State. Lester, who also had four tackles, is now tied for the national lead with seven interceptions.

Alabama’s offense is led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who has run for 694 yards and nine touchdowns, and quarterback Greg McIlroy, who has thrown for 2,231 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Georgia State (6-4) will play hard, something the Panthers have done all year. But GSU has had trouble on the road against its own ilk (losing three away from the Georgia Dome) and hasn’t met anyone who comes close to Alabama’s size, speed and skill. Curry said the goal for his team is to play its best for 60 minutes and insists that his players aren’t “terrified” of the challenge.

It will be a good test for Georgia State quarterback Drew Little, who has thrown for 2,033 yards and 18 touchdowns. Kicker Iain Vance tried to walk-on at Alabama, but never played a game; he’s made 15 of 17 field goals and leads the team with 79 points.

Scoring any points will be a challenge for Georgia State. The Alabama defense allows only 13.4 points per game, has 16 sacks (three by Damion Square) and 49 tackles for loss (8.5 by Courtney Upshaw).