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Penn State Notebook: Tide's star DE will not play Saturday
Tuesday, September 07, 2010

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban said Monday that defensive end Marcell Dareus will not play Saturday night against Penn State in Tuscaloosa.

Saban also said that Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram remains questionable for the top-ranked Crimson Tide.

Dareus, serving a two-game suspension for receiving improper benefits, also sat out the opening win Saturday against San Jose State.

"I said we would appeal," Saban said. "But I'm going to say things like that. We have to have precedent to appeal, with precedent being some other case that's relative to how these penalties are granted.

Saturday

• Game: No. 19 PSU (1-0) vs. No. 1 Alabama (1-0), 7 p.m.

• Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

• TV: ESPN.

"And we don't really feel we have good precedent. We feel like this was pretty fair."

Ingram had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday after injuring his left knee in practice. He also sat out the game against San Jose State. Sophomore Trent Richardson made his first start. He only played the first half, but accounted for 112 yards (66 rushing, 46 receiving) and two touchdowns.

Ingram will begin his "dry-land" rehab now, but Saban said he would not rush his star player back until he is completely healthy.

"We need to see him be able to be himself, be 100 percent, confident and ready," Saban said. "I'm not anticipating that's going to happen.

"We will evaluate his progress on a daily basis. Whenever he's ready to play, he's fully recovered and our doctors clear him to play, then we'll make a decision.

"I have to see Mark Ingram be Mark Ingram."

Bolden is honored

Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden Monday was named Big Ten Conference co-freshman of the week.


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He completed 20 of 29 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in the Nittany Lions' 44-14 win Saturday against Division I-AA Youngstown State. He also threw one interception.

Bolden, 18, was the first true freshman to start a season-opener at quarterback for Penn State in 100 years.

He shared the Big Ten award, which is new this year, with Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell. Also a true freshman, Bell gained 141 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns in a 38-14 victory against Western Michigan.

Ron Musselman: rmusselman@post-gazette.com.
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First published on September 7, 2010 at 12:00 am