Notre Dame LB Smith leaves Fiesta Bowl with leg injury

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Notre Dame standout linebacker Jaylon Smith was helped from the field with a left knee injury early in Friday's Fiesta Bowl. Smith, a

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Notre Dame standout linebacker Jaylon Smith was helped from the field with a left knee injury early in Friday's Fiesta Bowl.

Smith, a junior and potential high NFL draft pick, landed awkwardly after being pushed by an Ohio State player and had to be helped off the field, putting no weight on his leg.

A short time later, he was taken to the locker room on a cart.

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Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly called the injury ''significant'' after the game.

Smith is Notre Dame's leading tackler and winner of the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker.

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AP College Football website: collegefootball.ap.org