U-M RB Smith, CB Stribling out for Maryland game

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Michigan will be without two starters today against Maryland.

Neither running back De'Veon Smith nor cornerback Channing Stribling made the trip.

A U-M spokesman said coach Jim Harbaugh will address them after the game.

Smith isn't a major surprise.

The junior tailback, who has started U-M's first four games and is the leading rusher with 331 yards and four touchdowns, injured himself in the second half of last week's game against BYU and wore a boot to the postgame press conference. U-M announced it as a right ankle injury last week but wouldn't confirm that this week.

Smith did not take the field for warmups with the rest of the team and U-M brought an extra running back, freshman Karan Higdon, on the trip, despite Higdon not playing so far this year.

In his place, the Wolverines have a number of options, though Ty Isaac is the only other back with a 100-yard rushing game this season. Derrick Green and Drake Johnson are other options.

Stribling is more of a surprise.

Michigan could play Jeremy Clark, who was their third cornerback much of this season, to play alongside their number one, Jourdan Lewis. But Jabrill Peppers took the pregame first team cornerback reps.

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