The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit, leaving LSU without one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State.
“Sources said there was an autograph signing. Maason cooperated with an NCAA investigation, and he may have served the suspension last year if he had not gotten hurt,” Advocate writer Wilson Alexander said.
Alexander also said the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of name, image, and likeness, and that the suspension needed to take place during the season opener.
The matchup between the Tigers and Seminoles is the only top-ten matchup of the weekend.
“Smith is an inside pass rusher, that they don’t have anywhere else. You’re going to have to get a lot from guys like Harold Perkins, Sai’vion Jones, Ovie, Oghoufo, and Bradyn Swinson,” Alexander said.
He also said that Smith’s absence will be a factor as he was expected to provide pressure in the middle against Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis.
“Brian Kelly would have known. The staff has been aware of this possibility, and been able to probably game plan for that.”
LSU and Florida State meet in Orlando on Sunday, Sept. 3.
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