RB Smothers ruled out as injuries mount for Longhorns

Texas will be without its top tailback, Hollywood Smothers, for Saturday's home game against No. 7 Ole Miss. The No. 19 Longhorns, now 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the SEC, are trying to avoid a third straight loss since they ascended to the No. 1 ranking.

Smothers leads Texas with 289 rushing yards on 65 carries and two touchdowns. With him ruled out, Raleek Brown and freshman Derrek Cooper should see increased carries as Texas reshapes its backfield for one of its toughest tests of the season.

The absence adds to a growing injury list. Texas will already be without edge rusher Colin Simmons, who suffered an ankle injury against Florida. Simmons leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss this season. His 31.5 career sacks rank third in Texas history.

The timing is difficult because quarterback Arch Manning is also struggling and facing increased scrutiny. Manning had significantly fewer first-team snaps in practice this week, sources told ESPN, while redshirt freshman KJ Lacey received increased work. Manning ranks 10th in the SEC in completion percentage at 63.9 percent, with five interceptions and 11 touchdown passes.

Coach Steve Sarkisian said this week that he would evaluate everything about the offense, including Manning. He added: "Arch can play better for us. He's our starter. But I need a better version of Arch Manning." After back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Florida, Texas needs that improvement quickly against Ole Miss.