Alabama’s path to Atlanta and Pasadena is clear, but they’ll have to navigate it without safety Vinnie Sunseri.
Coach Nick Saban confirmed Sunseri will undergo surgery on his left knee, injured in Alabama’s 52-0 win over Arkansas Saturday, and will miss the rest of the season (via AL.com). Sunseri, who injured himself on kickoff coverage in the first quarter, had two interceptions this season and returned both for touchdowns.
Alabama got safety HaHa Clinton-Dix back from a suspension Saturday, so they won’t be entirely bereft of season-opening starters at both free and strong safety.
And of course, because Alabama is Alabama, the guy replacing Sunseri is sophomore Landon Collins -- formerly a five-star recruit ranked as the No. 1 player in Alabama and the No. 2 safety in the recruiting class of 2012.