Hollywood Smothers touched the ball three different ways against Ohio State and scored twice in Texas’ historic comeback. His growing role may be telling us what this offense wants to become.
Texas has more recognizable names on offense than Hollywood Smothers.
Arch Manning is the quarterback. Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman headline a deep receiving corps. Trevor Goosby anchors the offensive line.
But through two games, Smothers is becoming the player who connects almost everything Texas wants to do.
Against Ohio State, the senior running back touched the ball 25 times in three different ways and produced 108 all-purpose yards. He carried 21 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns, caught two passes for 15 yards and added a 19-yard kickoff return.
The volume matters. The timing matters even more.
Both of Smothers’ touchdowns came in the fourth quarter as Texas erased a 23-3 deficit and won 24-23. The second came from the 1-yard line with 25 seconds remaining, setting up the extra point that put Texas ahead.
That performance earned Smothers Paul Hornung Award Player of the Week honors. More importantly for Texas, it showed why his role is becoming so valuable.
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