BREAKING: LSU Star Defensive Tackle Suspended For Season Opener Against FSU

The Tigers will be without a key piece on their defensive line to start the season.

LSU star defensive tackle Maason Smith will miss the season opener against Florida State when the two teams collide in a conclusion to their "home and home" series on September 3 in Orlando, Florida.

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According to Wilson Alexander of NOLA.com, the NCAA has imposed a one-game suspension after investigation results deemed Smith to have received improper benefits during his time at LSU. It is unclear when the incident occured.

Last year, the Seminoles left New Orleans, Louisiana, with a 24-23 nail-biting victory over the Tigers from a blocked field goal by safety Shyheim Brown as the seconds dwindled in the fourth quarter. Smith suffered a season-ending ACL injury in that matchup early on and could not participate in the loss. After Wednesday's news, the Tigers will be without one of their star defensive players yet again.

Billed as a primetime, top-10 matchup, the game is expected to be a blockbuster as it is the only top-10 game on opening weekend, building a taste for excitement amongst fans to see the two historic programs collide on the gridiron to start the season.

The outcome will give the country a glimpse into two programs with a strong contention to compete for their respective conference championships and could bring lofty expectations to the College Football Playoff landscape.

Behind Smith, the Tigers must rely on junior Mekhi Wingo, redshirt junior Jacobian Guillory, and senior Jordan Jefferson at the tackle position.

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