The recent news of sophomore center Reese Dismukes’ suspension shook the football team for the worst. That is, at least, on the field. With redshirt sophomore Tunde Fariyike the new starter, the Tigers’ intelligence and integrity rose.

Coach Gene Chizik has shown within the last several months, along with the past three years, he will not let misbehavior slide. With freshman quarterback Zeke Pike being sent home and later dismissed from the team after being charged with public intoxication, the same charge Dismukes was arrested for, there wasn’t much of a surprise when Chizik announced the starting center was suspended indefinitely.

The overall reaction was different than what some teams may see. For the most part, there wasn’t angry toward Chizik. Any frustration was directly toward Dismukes, and there was even some pity given to the 19 year old, who some believe has a problem with alcohol.

However, those two reactions took a back seat to the happiness and excitement fans have felt for Fariyike to run with the first team. A biomedical science major with plans to follow in his father’s footsteps of becoming a doctor, Fariyike is not your stereotypical football player.

The kid is smart. Oh, is he smart. When asked if he had a hard time learning the new offense, Fariyike said he didn’t want to say it was easy to learn, but it certainly wasn’t hard. He’s the first to say that.

As a player who said he was most likely going to Duke before Auburn offered him late, Fariyike is a different breed of player. He’s easily the smartest player the Tigers will have on the field Saturday, and he’s also playing the position senior starting guard John Sullen said the smartest player is needed at.

Win or lose Saturday, Chizik and the coaching staff are running a clean ship. While Clemson star receiver Sammy Watkins sits at home suspended for the first two games, he was not punished until two full months after he was arrested for a marijuana possession. Not to mention, the punishment was delivered by the Board of Trustees and not the coaching staff. There’s a problem there.

On Auburn’s first possession Saturday, Auburn men will take the first offensive snap of the year for the Tigers. Fariyike will hand the ball to quarterback Kiehl Frazier. Running back Onterio McCalebb will probably have his first rush attempt of his final season. Linemen Greg Robinson, Chad Slade, Avery Young and Sullen will block as receivers Emory Blake and Quan Bray do the same. Dismukes will be sitting at home right where he belongs.