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The Texas Longhorns currently sit in the College Football Playoffs bracket after the first week of rankings, and can further solidify the case with a ranked win against the No. 18-ranked Missouri Tigers.
However, the Longhorns are limping into this one after a myriad of injuries due to the gauntlet of a schedule the program has faced, and will now be without star receiver Cam Coleman, who was ruled out prior to the game with a shoulder injury sustained in the win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
How does this change the Longhorns' approach, and who will the program turn to in his absence?
It is no secret that Coleman hasn't lived up to the expectations placed on him when he entered the program, but he has still been one of the best receivers on the team, ranking third in receptions (23) and yards (409).
However, he is clearly the favorite scoring target for the Longhorns, leading the team with seven touchdowns on the year, two more than the next-closest, Raleek Brown. His elite frame and catch radius make him a favorite target for quarterback Arch Manning.
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Even just being on the field, Coleman makes defenses account for him, as he possesses a unique ability to change a game based on one route, or when getting the ball in his hands. He was a perfect complement to Ryan Wingo, giving the Longhorns two elite pass-catching options.
While not necessarily possessing the elite skill set that Coleman has, Steling Berkhalter, the Wake Forest transfer, is an intriguing option to be his replacement. In terms of size, they are nearly identical, both being 6-foot-3, while Berkhalter comes in 10 pounds lighter at 195 pounds.
Berkhalter is yet to make a big impact in a contest, with just three catches on the season for 34 yards, but he made an appearance against the Mississippi State Bulldogs and could see an uptick in action for this game.
Another name to watch is Jermaine Bishop Jr., the electric receiver who is capable of stretching the defense and a name that must be accounted for on the field. His presence alone would have an effect on the way Coleman's does, keeping the defense honest in their protections.
He has caught at least three receptions in each of the last three games and could be an in for a big performance against Missouri.