Mark Barron Ruled Out for Alabama's Bowl Game

The 2010 season is over for Alabama standout safety Mark Barron, following successful surgery on his torn right pectoral muscle. 

The injury occurred early in the Alabama-Auburn game, but Barron continued to play despite the injury.

According to this article, Barron said the injury affected him on a 70-yard TD pass later in the game. For those wondering why Barron couldn't get his arms up, perhaps this is why.

It makes sense. It was clear that he tried to lift his arms, but he was unable to do so. Barron got to the ball in plenty of time to make a play, and it left people scratching their heads when he didn't.

The bad news is obvious. The loss of Mark Barron in the secondary is a big blow. He's the only veteran presence in a young secondary. You expect him to be back there making plays.

The good news about Barron's injury is that he will most likely return for his final season at Alabama instead of entering the NFL draft. His stock will be affected by the injury, and NFL teams will want to see how he responds before taking a chance on him.

Who Will Replace Barron?

Will Lowery has the most playing time out of any other possible backup options, but I'm thinking he may go a different route to give a younger guy extended playing time since it's a bowl game.

Nick Perry is listed behind Barron on the depth chart. Perry is a freshman out of Mobile, Ala. and has played in five games this season, recording a tackle against Georgia State.

It seems more likely that Lowery will play even though Perry is listed ahead of him on the depth chart, because of Lowery's experience and his interceptions against South Carolina and Penn State. However, the battle will be decided in the month preceding the bowl game.

Alabama will certainly need its best effort from the secondary as it will most likely be facing Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. The Aggies have already accepted an invitation to the Cotton Bowl, and the SEC Championship game this Saturday will determine the bowl picture for SEC teams.

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