College football’s Week 4 features a slate of high-profile matchups, with Texas (No. 1) and Tennessee (No. 14) set to renew a rivalry that hasn’t been played since 1969. The game in Knoxville carries added significance as both programs are among college football’s traditional bluebloods. However, the Longhorns may be without a key offensive weapon.
Hollywood Smothers, Texas’ transfer running back, is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game due to a lower leg injury sustained during practice Thursday. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported there is “legitimate concern” Smothers could miss the contest. Smothers has been a critical contributor in Texas’ first three games, rushing for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 41 carries while adding 54 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
The matchup between Arch Manning and the Longhorns and Tennessee’s Volunteers also marks the first time the two programs have faced each other since 1969. Tennessee enters the game with a 6-1 record against Texas in their all-time series, though the rivalry has been dormant for over five decades. The Volunteers’ offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton III, has averaged 31 points per game this season, ranking among the top 25 nationally in total offense.
Big 12 Showdown Highlights Saturday’s Slate
While the Texas-Tennessee game garners national attention, another matchup in the Big 12 is drawing late-week interest. Oklahoma State (unranked) and West Virginia (unranked) will face off in a game that both programs enter with a ranked win on their resumes. West Virginia defeated No. 25 Virginia in Week 1, while Oklahoma State upset Oregon in Week 2. The Cowboys’ offense, directed by head coach Eric Morris, ranks in the top 10 nationally in total offense and leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker has been central to the Cowboys’ air raid system, which Morris implemented after taking over the program in 2023.
The Oklahoma State-West Virginia game is scheduled for the same time slot as LSU vs. Texas A&M, a matchup featuring two SEC West rivals with contrasting seasons. LSU (3-1) enters the game after a 31-27 loss to Florida in Week 3, while Texas A&M (3-1) has won three straight games following a season-opening defeat to Notre Dame. The Aggies’ defense, anchored by defensive end Fadil Diggs, has allowed an average of 18 points per game in conference play.
Transfer Portal Impact on Texas’ Roster
Texas’ 2024 roster includes 22 transfers, the third-highest total in the country, according to the Transfer Portal Index. Among the additions, Smothers has been the most impactful early in the season. His 4.8 yards per carry and dual-threat ability have complemented the Longhorns’ passing attack, which ranks second nationally in yards per game. Other notable transfers include Cam Coleman (Auburn, WR), Ian Geffrard (Arkansas, DL), and Melvin Siani (Wake Forest, OT), all of whom have started in at least one game this season.
The Longhorns’ offense, led by Manning, has averaged 42 points per game through three contests, including a 38-35 comeback win over Oklahoma State in Week 2. Manning has thrown for 850 yards and 7 touchdowns with no interceptions, while also adding 120 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Tennessee’s defense, however, has allowed an average of 20 points per game this season, ranking 12th nationally in scoring defense.
Ole Miss and Florida Face Off in SEC Showdown
In another SEC matchup, Ole Miss (No. 10) travels to Florida (unranked) in what has become a recurring rivalry. The Rebels, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, enter the game with a 3-0 record, including a 27-20 win over LSU in Week 2. Ole Miss’ offense, ranked 15th nationally in total offense, features a balanced attack with quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Quinshon Judkins, who leads the SEC in rushing yards per game.
Florida, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency under first-year head coach Billy Napier, with a 1-3 record entering the matchup. The Gators’ defense, which ranked 11th nationally in total defense in 2023, has allowed 28 points per game this season, including 45 points to Kentucky in Week 3. Napier has emphasized improving the team’s red-zone offense, where Florida has converted just 50% of its opportunities this year.
Key Storylines for Week 4
- Texas’ Depth Tested: The Longhorns’ ability to replace Smothers will be critical if he is ruled out. Backup running backs Jonathon Brooks and Cedric Baxter Jr. have combined for 84 rushing yards and 1 touchdown this season.
- Tennessee’s Home Dominance: The Volunteers have won 11 straight games at Neyland Stadium, their longest home winning streak since the early 1990s. Tennessee’s offense, led by Milton, has scored at least 30 points in five consecutive games.
- Big 12’s Underrated Matchup: Oklahoma State and West Virginia bring contrasting styles—Oklahoma State’s air raid offense against West Virginia’s balanced attack, which ranks 18th nationally in rushing yards per game.
- SEC’s Top Contenders: Ole Miss and Florida’s game could have implications for the SEC East standings, while LSU and Texas A&M’s matchup may impact the West Division race.