Texas Injuries Could Shape Red River Matchup Against Oklahoma

Texas football enters Red River Rivalry week in a better injury position than it faced at Tennessee, but the Longhorns still have several important availability questions before Saturday’s showdown with Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl.

The biggest positive involves running back Hollywood Smothers, who missed the Tennessee game despite dressing in an emergency role.

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Steve Sarkisian indicated after the 20-17 win that Smothers was close enough to play if absolutely necessary.

The following bye week gave Texas additional time to get its leading rusher healthy.

That could matter considerably against Oklahoma.

Smothers leads Texas with 198 rushing yards on 41 carries and gives the Longhorns another physical option alongside Raleek Brown and Derrek Cooper.

Texas managed without him at Tennessee, but getting Smothers back would make life considerably easier for quarterback Arch Manning.

Wide receiver Cam Coleman also appears to be trending toward full availability after suffering a bruised tailbone against Tennessee.

Coleman returned to that game, and Sarkisian described the injury as nothing serious.

His presence opposite Ryan Wingo is important because Texas needs its vertical passing game intact against an Oklahoma defense likely to challenge Manning with pressure and disguised coverages.

The bigger uncertainty may be on defense.

Defensive tackle Justus Terry, defensive back Xavier Filsaime and offensive lineman Jordan Coleman were all unavailable against Tennessee, while tight end Nick Townsend had been listed as doubtful.

Terry’s status could be particularly important. Oklahoma’s offense will test Texas between the tackles, and having another disruptive interior lineman would allow the Longhorns to keep their defensive front fresh while freeing star edge rusher Colin Simmons to attack the quarterback.

Simmons dealt with wrist and elbow discomfort against Tennessee but returned to the game and is not currently expected to miss Oklahoma.

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Texas is 4-0 and ranked No. 1 entering Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. CT matchup in Dallas. The Longhorns have won the past two Red River meetings by a combined 57-9, including a 23-6 victory last season.

Still, rivalry games rarely follow the script.