Texas is rolling into Saturday’s huge matchup against Ole Miss already down one starter, and it looks like that number could absolutely swell to two. The Longhorns officially ruled edge rusher Colin Simmons out for the game, a devastating blow to a team trying to snap a two-game skid.
The Simmons Situation Just Got Real
Talk about a gut shot. Simmons, who leads the *entire country* with a ridiculous 10.5 sacks, was initially only given a “doubtful” tag on Wednesday. Now, he’s officially sidelined. This kid is an absolute game-wrecker, and not having him for a showdown with a top-10 team is brutal. He left last Saturday’s game with a leg injury, and honestly, whispers were already circulating that he might be out for several weeks. It’s a huge loss, especially with freshman edge rusher Richard Wesley also on the sidelines. Who steps up to get that pressure now?
More Injury Woes for the Longhorns
The hits just keep coming. On top of Simmons, the Longhorns downgraded running back Hollywood Smothers to “doubtful.” This dude, a fourth-year back, has still managed to lead the team with 289 rushing yards this season, even after missing a game last month at Tennessee. He was “questionable” on Wednesday, so seeing that move to “doubtful” just adds to the worry. You also have receiver Kaliq Lockett and offensive lineman Jaydon Chatman both listed as “questionable,” which is never what you want to hear this late in the week. At least freshman running back Derrek Cooper is “probable,” so there’s one piece of good news.
This Game Against Ole Miss Is EVERYTHING
Let’s be real, this isn’t just another game. Texas, currently sitting at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play, is desperately trying to snap a two-game losing streak. They’re hosting Ole Miss, who are a beast at 5-1 and 3-1, and ranked No. 7 in the AP poll compared to Texas’s No. 19. A loss here would be catastrophic for their College Football Playoff berth hunt. This team needs a win, and they need it now. Without Simmons generating pressure and potentially Smothers making plays on the ground, how do they get it done?
Texas hosts Ole Miss at Royal-Memorial Stadium Saturday night. The stakes couldn’t be clearer: snap the losing streak, stay in the College Football Playoff hunt, or watch the season slip further away. It’s going to be a battle, especially without their defensive anchor. This is a must-win.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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