Texas loses running back Hollywood Smothers for season

Texas will be without Hollywood Smothers for the rest of the season after the running back suffered a torn medial collateral ligament. The injury further reduces the Longhorns’ options as they prepare to face Missouri, with their College Football Playoff hopes at stake this weekend.

Smothers joined Texas after recording 939 rushing yards and seven touchdowns at NC State last season. He had been viewed as a significant addition to coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense, but injuries limited his availability. He sat out wins over Tennessee and Ole Miss, the latter on October 24, and had been sharing carries with Raleek Brown in his most recent appearances.

Against Mississippi State last week, Smothers had four carries for minus-6 yards before being escorted to the medical tent. He finishes the season with 283 yards and two touchdowns across six games. Brown is now expected to take on a larger role in the rushing attack as Texas deals with a series of injuries and looks for other players to contribute.