Alabama coach Nick Saban called Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap "an outstanding player," but said Dunlap's suspension didn't have a large impact on Crimson Tide preparations for Saturday's SEC championship game.
"Certainly, there was attention to where he was and what he was doing and how we were going to block him," Saban said. "But we also have a lot of respect for their other players, and whoever takes his place I'm sure will be doing the same assignments and the same job that he would do."
Dunlap was arrested early Tuesday morning in Gainesville on a charge of DUI. Florida coach Urban Meyer said after practice later that day that Dunlap would be suspended at least through Saturday's contest.
"They've played extremely well on defense this year without some of their other good players at times this year," Saban said. "I think they have such a good group, and they have so much experience, and they've played together for so long and have good depth on their team, someone else will step in a do a very, very good job for them."
Crimson Tide tailback Mark Ingram has made it through practices this week without a problem, according to Saban. Ingram suffered a hip pointer against Auburn but has since insisted that he'll "definitely" play against Florida.
"Mark Ingram practiced today and was fine," said Saban, who added, "We've got some nicks and bruises, but I think everybody's ready to go and ready to practice, and nobody was out of practice today."
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