NC State Adds More Depth to Running Game with Return of Smothers

Redshirt Freshman Hollywood Smothers missed the past two games due to injury, but according to NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack might get the former Oklahoma Running Back for the game against Syracuse tomorrow.

“Hollywood Smothers practiced well today,” said Doeren after practice yesterday. “It was good seeing him running around again.”

This is an extremely positive sign.

Smothers has averaged 5.2 yards per carry (22 carries), which is 2nd on the team behind Sophomore Kendrick Raphael (5.8 YPC). Starter Jordan Waters (RS-SR) is averaging only 4.0 yards per carry.

The Wolfpack is in need of a jolt in the running game. NC State has averaged only 83.5 yards on the ground the past two games in Smothers’ absence.