Practice closed; no word on Smith's replacement

NEW ORLEANS — Alabama is currently practicing at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Media is not allowed to watch this practice, so we can't report on what is going on. It's still unclear as to who will replace suspended left tackle Andre Smith in Friday's Sugar Bowl.

Coach Nick Saban is expected to speak with reporters following the practice session. It will be his first comments since Smith was suspended for an alleged improper contact with an agent. Keep in mind that Alabama has not used the word "agent" when describing Smith's situation as of yet.

This should probably be one of the more fun Saban news conferences to say the least.

— Josh Cooper, The Anniston Star