The Texas Longhorns were already going to be without running back Hollywood Smothers for their matchup against No. 18 Missouri on Saturday after he was ruled out. But now, the Longhorns must do without the senior for much longer.
Eric C. Henry of 247Sports reports that Smothers is officially out for the season. On Texas Football is reporting that Smothers has suffered an MCL tear.
The senior transfer from NC State has been Texas' second-leading rusher this season behind Raleek Brown. He's carried the ball 69 times, rushing for 283 yards with two touchdowns. He's also added 10 catches for 79 yards. Smothers was coming off by far his least productive game of the season against Mississippi State. He finished with four carries for -6 yards.
Article Continues BelowNevertheless, Smothers' loss is a huge blow to the Longhorns' hopes of making it back to the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns are already dealing with a long list of injuries that also includes star edge rusher Colin Simmons, who has missed the last couple of games with a high ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Cam Coleman left their win over Mississippi State before halftime and did not return. The two remain questionable to play against Missouri.
With Smothers out, Michael Terry III figures to slot in as Brown's primary backup against Mizzou. Terry, a sophomore, had a season-high 41 yards on eight carries with a touchdown in Texas' big 34-27 win over Ole Miss last month. Derek Cooper is another option, but the freshman has had just two touches over the last two games. After Missouri, Texas closes out its regular season at LSU, at home to Arkansas, and at Texas A&M.

