Ohio State Suspends Smith

Ohio State sophomore quarterback Troy Smith was suspended Monday for violating team and NCAA rules and will not play in next week’s Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State.

Coach Jim Tressel would not say what Smith did or when the violation occurred.

“Obviously, he feels terrible that he didn’t take care of his responsibilities,” Tressel said.

Smith led the Buckeyes to a 4-1 record in their last five regular-season games, including a 37-21 victory over archrival Michigan last month when he threw for 241 yards and ran for 145 yards.

“I am aware of what is expected, both on and off the field, at Ohio State, and I have fallen short of those expectations,” Smith said in a statement released by Ohio State.

Sophomore Justin Zwick will start for Smith. He had been the starter until he lost the job after mildly separating his left, and non-throwing, shoulder in the sixth game of the season against Iowa.

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Tennessee senior tailback Jabari Davis will not play in the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M; because he failed to meet academic requirements.

Davis, whose playing time had decreased dramatically this season, carried only 18 times for 34 yards. He had 587 yards as a sophomore and 565 last season.

Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer announced that Davis did not meet Southeastern Conference academic requirements for the fall semester.

Receiver Derrick Tinsley and linebacker Marvin Mitchell also were ruled ineligible.