Can Alabama Shake Andre Smith Loss?

With a 6'4", 340-pound frame, Andre Smith, Alabama’s star-studded left tackle, is a hard person to miss.  However, this Friday, when the Crimson Tide squares off against the Utes of Utah in the 75th annual Sugar Bowl, Alabama will be without the 2008 Outland Trophy winner due to a violation of team rules. 

The news of Smith’s suspension is surprising considering the type of season the Crimson Tide have enjoyed this year.  It seemed as though Alabama would roll into the Superdome without any major setbacks after a truly magical 2008 season.

But now, Alabama faces the task of replacing arguably college football’s best offensive lineman.

Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, compensating for Smith's absence will prove to be a tall order against a very opportunistic Utah defense.  Paul Kruger, Utah’s All-Mountain West defensive end, spearheads a defense ranked second in the Mountain West and has been a terror on opposing offensive lineman.  

Although Alabama will slide the necessary personnel to fill the gap, Kruger may have an easier time trying to solve Alabama’s offensive line without Smith manning the left side.  After hearing the news on Smith’s suspension Kruger stated, "I was a little disappointed. I feel like it would have been a good matchup and a great opportunity for me." 

Luckily for the Crimson Tide, the offensive line proves to be an area where depth has been stockpiled over the past two seasons.  Don’t be surprised if Alabama slides over its All-SEC guard, Mike Johnson, to fill Smith’s void at tackle and bring in David Ross off the bench to play left guard. 

Ross, 6'3" and 300 pounds, was highly recruited out of high school and has seen increased playing time this season. 

Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson was upset over losing Smith but mentioned, "This is why the two's get almost as many reps as the one guys do (in practice) in case something like this happens.” 

If Utah expects Alabama to change its game plan coming into Friday’s matchup, then they are sadly mistaken.  Even in Smith’s absence, the Crimson Tide will play physical smash mouth football as they have all year, and they will challenge Utah by running the ball early and often. 

Alabama finished second in the SEC this season in rushing yards (2554 yards) and first in carries (535 carries).  So don’t expect for the Tide to shy away from the running game.

Distractions aside, this year’s Sugar Bowl contest will definitely be worth the price of admission.  Look for Utah to try to expose the left side of Alabama’s line while the Crimson Tide attempts to pound the ball, even in Smith’s absence.