Dial could be suspended for BCS title game
TUSCALOOSA | Quinton Dial might have played his last game with the University of Alabama.
Or he might have one more left.
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The Crimson Tide's senior defensive lineman can only wait to learn his future this week as the Southeastern Conference determines whether his hit on Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray in UA's 32-28 SEC championship win rises to the level of meriting a suspension.
Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday that the school has asked the SEC office to review the play.
"Standard for reviews of all games to take place in the days following competition," SEC associate director of media relations Chuck Dunlap said in an email. "Any subsequent action will be announced in the same general timetable as has throughout the season."
Dial delivered a crushing block that appeared to include helmet-to-helmet contact with Murray on Saturday as UA safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returned an interception across midfield. Rules prohibit striking a defenseless player in the head or neck area with the helmet, forearm, neck or shoulder.
Although Dial was not flagged on the play, the conference can impose a penalty whether a flag is thrown or not.
This season, South Carolina's D.J. Swearinger and Ole Miss' Trae Elston were suspended one game each by the SEC for illegal hits.
Jones up for Rimington
Alabama center Barrett Jones has is a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center. The senior, who is beginning a two-week recovery from a foot injury, is a four-year starter for the Crimson Tide but is finishing just his first as a center.
He won the Outland Trophy last year as the nation's top interior lineman, and is up for that award again this year. Other Rimington finalists are Louisville's Mario Benavides, Notre Dame's Braxston Cave, Clemson's Dalton Freeman, Southern Cal's Khaled Holmes and Penn State's Matt Stankiewitch.
Former UA centers Antoine Caldwell and William Vlachos were finalists for the Rimington honor as well.
Tidebits
UA coach Nick Saban picked up some bonus money in his contract over the weekend. Saban's contract calls for $75,000 for an SEC Championship Game appearance and another $50,000 for winning the game. The victory also earned Saban another $200,000 for a BCS title game appearance, and a chance for $200,000 more with a win over Notre Dame.