Auburn Football: Reese Dismukes' Suspension Won't Determine Outcome vs. Clemson

Heisman hopeful wide receiver Sammy Watkins may be out, but Clemson isn't the only team that will be dealing with suspensions on Saturday night in the Georgia Dome.

The Auburn Tigers will be as well.

Reese Dismukes, the starting center for the Tigers, has been suspended indefinitely by head coach Gene Chizik after being arrested for public intoxication over the weekend, according to AL.com.

Dismukes was a freshman All-American last season, according to multiple services including the Football Writers Association of American (FWAA).

On paper, it's a big loss for the Tigers. 

Games aren't played on paper, though.

Don't get me wrong, the timing is terrible, and that's what has to infuriate the coaching staff more than anything. 

But Auburn's offensive line was still a big question mark going in anyway.

Dismukes will be replaced by Tunde Fariyike, a 6'3", 302-pound sophomore who played mostly on special teams last season. He will be joined on the starting offensive line by true freshman Avery Young and redshirt freshman Greg Robinson at the tackle spots, and senior John Sullen and sophomore Chad Slade at guard.

That's a lot of youth, even with Dismukes in the lineup.

The timing hurts Auburn more than anything else. Fariyike will have to get game-ready in one week, which is not an easy thing to do.

The suspension won't be the difference between a win and a loss, though.

This game will be decided up front when Clemson has the ball. Dabo Swinney's group is replacing three starters from last season's offensive line, and sophomore Gifford Timothy, who is projected to take over at right tackle, has been nursing a knee injury this fall.

If that offensive line can hold off Auburn's pass rush, which features Corey Lemonier, Dee Ford, Nosa Eguae and a cast that runs about seven-deep, it will be the difference in the game.

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