Nothing like a little bowl season suspension news to spice things up, right? takes on 12-0 in the Sugar Bowl on Friday, but the Crimson Tide will be taking the field in the Big Easy without one of their biggest players, as award-winning offensive lineman has been suspended for a violation of team rules.

There’s a good chance that ’s loss to was the last time you’ll see Smith in an uniform, because he stands to be a top draft pick in the , and the 6’5, 340 pound behemoth could very well be on the Lions’ radar for the #1 overall pick.

This could prove to be a big blow against , who has one of the nation’s top run defenses (104.8 yards allowed per game). Smith helps to pave the way for the SEC’s second-best run offense, which, led by (1,347 yards, 10 TD, 6.1 yards per carry), is averaging more than 196 yards per game.

Smith’s replacement will go up against ’s star defensive end , who leads the Utes with 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Kruger, who’s a draft-eligible sophomore, could be using the Sugar Bowl as a chance to prove his worth, would’ve benefited from going up against Smith, but if he finds himself regularly in the ‘Bama backfield, it could pay dividends for him and for the Utes‘ hopes of toppling the Tide.

Whatever the violation was, you’ve got to give some kudos for stepping up and suspending one of his best players.

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