Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns could be without a key piece of their offense when they walk into one of the most hostile environments in college football.
Texas running back Hollywood Smothers is expected to be a game-time decision for Saturday’s showdown against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Smothers has been dealing with a lower-body injury and has been listed as questionable on the SEC injury report this week.
“Texas running back Hollywood Smothers is expected to be a game-time decision Saturday at Tennessee, sources tell @On3,” Nakos reported Friday. “Has been listed as questionable on the SEC injury report this week, dealing with a lower-body injury.”
That’s a significant development for Manning and the No. 1 Longhorns as they prepare for their first SEC game of the season.
Hollywood Smothers Has Emerged as Key Weapon for Texas
Smothers enters Saturday as Texas’ leading rusher with 198 yards through three games.
The senior running back has become an important part of Steve Sarkisian’s offense after transferring to Texas following two seasons at NC State.
His biggest performance of the young season came when Texas needed him most.
Against Ohio State, Smothers carried the ball 21 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns while adding two receptions for 15 yards. He finished with 23 total touches and was later named the Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week for his performance.
Smothers also rushed for 70 yards on 10 carries against Texas State, including a 45-yard run.
Now his availability is uncertain for arguably Texas’ biggest road test of the season.
That matters for Manning.
Texas enters the Tennessee game with Manning having thrown for 664 yards this season, while Smothers leads the team on the ground. Cam Coleman is the Longhorns’ leading receiver with 178 yards.
Having an established running game could be particularly important Saturday as Manning makes his first trip to Neyland Stadium.
Texas Faces Major Test at Tennessee
There was already plenty surrounding this matchup before Smothers’ injury status became a storyline.
Texas is ranked No. 1 in the country and is coming off a 30-6 victory over UTSA. The Longhorns also own a dramatic 24-23 victory over Ohio State earlier this season.
Now comes Tennessee.
Saturday will mark Texas’ first trip to Neyland Stadium, and Manning will be playing in the stadium forever associated with his uncle, Tennessee legend Peyton Manning.
The Longhorns would obviously prefer to have their leading rusher standing next to Arch Manning when they take the field.
Smothers’ status apparently won’t be known for certain until close to kickoff.
Texas and Tennessee are scheduled to kick off Saturday at noon ET on ABC.
