Texas' defense is under the gun after an abysmal showing at BYU that resulted in the firing of coordinator Manny Diaz, but the Longhorns' offense isn't faring much better after injuries to two important contributors.
Quarterback David Ash is dealing with head and shoulder injuries and his status for this Saturday's game against Mississippi is uncertain, while running back/wide receiver Daje Johnson is out for an extended period of time with a sprained ankle.
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Ash was banged up in the fourth quarter and replaced by senior Case McCoy. Ash had completed 19 of 34 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns and carried the ball 16 times for 34 yards.
McCoy would get the start if Ash cannot play, head coach Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Major Applewhite said Monday.
Johnson was hurt on the first series versus the Cougars and did not return. The dynamic sophomore finished with two carries for four yards, after being the only player in the FBS to total more than 60 yards both rushing and receiving in the first week of the season.
Texas has plenty of athletic players on offense, including wide receiver Mike Davis and running backs Johnathan Gray and Malcolm Brown, but Johnson offered the versatility to create mismatches all over the field.
If Ash joins Johnson on the sideline this week, that would put the game in the hands of a defense hoping for a one-week turnaround under newly hired assistant Greg Robinson, a truly dangerous proposition.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
