AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn running back Eric Smith is academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl against Northwestern.

Coach Gene Chizik said Friday that Smith won’t practice with the team or make the trip for the New Year’s Day game, but he expects him back in the fold in January.

Smith has run for 99 yards and caught 18 passes for 226 yards for the Tigers.

He was suspended for the season opener after being charged with third-degree assault for an off-campus fight.

Smith was granted youthful offender status.

Chizik said the rest of the players were in good academic standing. He wouldn’t say how the Tigers would fill Smith’s various roles, but said “we’ve made provisions.”