Tide Gets Starting Center Back
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive line has been one of the best in the country this year. An injury to center Barrett Jones had kept him out since the SEC Championship game. But that all changed during Tuesday afternoon's practice.
Jones returned to practice with the team Tuesday when the Tide practiced for the final time in Tuscaloosa. Alabama was making its way to Miami Wednesday with a scheduled arrival of around 4:30 p.m.
Jones hurt his foot during the SEC Championship game against Georgia on December 1. While he did practice with the team, his status for the BCS National Championship game is unknown.
The Tide moved Jones to center this season to make room for Cyrus Kouandjio. Jones responded to the move by becoming an All-American center and starting every game this year for the Tide.
Alabama will need its offensive line at full strength during the BCS title game when they face a very stout Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense.
The Irish's strength is the team's front seven on defense including All-American middle linebacker Manti Te'o, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting this year.
