NEW ORLEANS — Smith and Jones.

Common names, an uncommon matchup in Friday's Sugar Bowl game between Utah and Alabama.

When the Utes and Crimson Tide square off in the Louisiana Superdome, Utah cornerback Sean Smith and Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones will take center stage as the marquee matchup.

Jones, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound freshman, has 51 catches for 847 yards and four touchdowns this season. Smith, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound junior, has eight pass breakups and five interceptions.

"It's going to be fun. A lot of people are excited about it because it's the first time, I think, that he's had an equal opponent," Smith said. "All year he's been going against smaller (defensive backs) and just blew them around."

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

"When you have size like that you have to use it to your advantage. That's what he's been doing all year, putting up great numbers. Now that he has an opponent who is equal in size and weight with him, it's going to be fun," Smith continued. "I pride myself in my abilities and this is definitely going to be the biggest challenge for me all year."

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham anticipates a great matchup.

"Julio Jones, in my opinion, is the top freshman wide receiver in the country, and Sean Smith is a lock-down corner for us," he said.

"Both are very similar in stature — both very big guys. I am excited about this matchup and looking forward to seeing how it plays out."

With the highly anticipated battle between Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith and Utah defensive end Paul Kruger nixed by the Alabama offensive lineman's suspension for violating team rules, Smith and Jones have moved into the forefront.

"This is the matchup," Smith said. "I think it would have been Paul Kruger against Andre Smith, if he wouldn't have had that incident. But I think definitely now there's going to be a lot of eyes on us two on the outside."

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