TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama could be without Outland Trophy winner Chris Samuels in the Orange Bowl because of recurring soreness in the left tackle's knee.Alabama coach Mike DuBose said he won't know if the All-America tackle will be available for the Jan. 1 game against Michigan until the end of the month.
``We won't make a decision until we get to Miami,' DuBose said. ``He won't work at all here.'
Samuels has started 42 straight games for the Crimson Tide. He didn't allow a single sack this season while protecting the blind side of Alabama's quarterbacks and had 89 knockdown blocks.
DuBose said freshman Dante Ellington was moved from right tackle to left tackle this week in practice in case Samuels can't play. DuBose said he noticed the difference.
``We lose a lot when Chris Samuels is not there, but he might not be able to play,' DuBose said. ``Somebody else has got to pick it up. We've got to get some leadership out of others besides Chris.'
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