Yesterday, reports surfaced -- which were later confirmed by the school -- that Auburn running back Michael Dyer was suspended for the Chick-fil-A Bowl for a violation of undisclosed team rules.
As the Tigers begin preparation for that game against Virginia, coach Gene Chizik was, as expected, tight-lipped on the subject matter.
“When you see him back in an Auburn jersey, you know he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Chizik said of his sophomore running back. "[It’s] very disappointing, but I’m not going to talk about the ones who are not here.”
Dyer has been a force for the Tigers in his two years on campus. His 1,242 yards and 12 touchdowns this season were second in the SEC only to Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson. Filling that gap left by Dyer won’t be easy.
“Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason will have to step up. The others we’ll evaluate over the next two weeks,” Chizik said. “There are different options out there.
“We’ve got enough time to work it.”
But more importantly than filling Dyer’s spot for a game is, well, Dyer’s future. Whatever Dyer’s issue is, here’s hoping he gets it together.