Ute Utes football: Alabama not feeling pressure vs. Utah

NEW ORLEANS — Alabama lineman Mike Johnson is no stranger to playing in big games and contributing for the Crimson Tide.

But his role on the team has suddenly and exponentially increased because of the suspension of Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith. Johnson, who usually starts at left guard, will move over to left tackle to replace Smith. David Ross will take Johnson's spot at guard.

Johnson was surrounded by television cameras and reporters after Alabama wrapped up practice on Wednesday. He seemed unfazed about stepping into Smith's spot, saying he feels no pressure in regard to Friday's Sugar Bowl. Smith, a junior who would certainly be a top five pick if he declares for the NFL draft, was suspended reportedly for dealing with an agent.

"If you want pressure, I'd say look at the Florida game (the SEC championship game) and some of the other games we've played in this year, and this isn't that bad compared to them," Johnson said. "We're going to go out there and try and enjoy ourselves. We've had a good time all week and we want to come out of this game with a 'W."'

Johnson has reason to be confident. He has started in 26 consecutive games, and was named a second-team All-SEC pick.

But the Tide also have reason to be concerned. In the one game Smith missed this season, a 20-6 win over Tulane, Alabama's offense managed just one scoring drive and rushed for only 99 yards. Quarterback John Parker Wilson threw for just 73 yards and was sacked four times.

Johnson said he's aware of how solid Utah's defense is and that the Tide face a tough challenge in trying to move the ball on the Utes. He said Alabama is treating Smith's absence as an injury and that the unit is simply moving on without him.

"One thing we've always harped on as a line is one goes down and another one steps in," Johnson said. "We just got to pick up the slack and kind of recharge our batteries and win the Sugar Bowl."

SABAN SPEAKS: Alabama coach Nick Saban publicly addressed the media in regard to Smith's suspension for the first time on Wednesday. He made a short statement, then declared he wouldn't answer any questions about why Smith wouldn't be playing.

"Andre Smith is a fine young man and he did a great job for us here," Saban said. "He may be doing a great job for someone else in the future or he may be doing a great job for us in the future. That decision has not been made. He has represented himself, his family, and this university in fine fashion and we are pleased with what he has done to help make this team successful."