Tom Herman's first season as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns did not exactly go according to plan and, when it comes to the bowl game, his task will not be an easy one. Texas is set to face off with the scorching hot Missouri Tigers on Dec. 27 in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl and, on Friday, the program announced (via Herman) that three players will suspended for the contest.
The players in question are wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, running back Toniel Carter and tight end Garrett Gray.
Humphrey is the biggest loss for the Longhorns, as he finished second on the team in receptions (37) and receiving yards (431) this season. Carter was part of the rotation at running back, racking up 252 yards and three touchdowns on 53 carries, and Gray caught four passes during an injury-plagued campaign.
Beyond the plain loss of three players for this contest, Texas was already battling the absence of safety DeShon Elliott, left tackle Connor Williams and cornerback Holton Hill, with the largely assumed absence of linebacker Malik Jefferson due to injury concerns. It is certainly possible that Herman's team could withstand these absences on the way to victory but, simply put, it will be a taller mountain to climb than previously expected.
