COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Arkansas running back Michael Smith eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark against South Carolina, but didn’t get to enjoy the accomplishment.

Instead, the Southeastern Conference’s leading rusher stood on the sideline nursing a shoulder injury throughout the second half of Arkansas’ 34-21 loss.

The Razorbacks lost Smith in the second quarter with what Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino called a shoulder stinger. The all-purpose back’s absence was part of a frustrating day for Arkansas’ offense, which committed three turnovers, allowed six sacks and was held to 54 rushing yards by the Gamecocks’ swarming defense.

“(The playbook) still pretty much stayed the same after (Smith) left,” Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “But obviously you’re hurting when you lose your best player.”

Smith left the game late in the second quarter after taking a big hit on a five-yard run. He ran off the field with his right shoulder drooping and went to the locker room with trainers with two minutes left in the half.

Smith was back on the sideline when Arkansas returned to the field to start the second half, but never got a chance to step back in the huddle.

“It didn’t come back like you would want. The trainers and doctors made the decision at halftime that we needed to hold him out,” coach Bobby Petrino said.

The 5-foot-7, 173-pound Smith — who was held to 67 rushing yards against Tulsa last week — finished the South Carolina game with a season-low 25 yards on seven carries. He caught one pass for two yards, but the 27-yard day was well under his average (166.4).

Smith’s health has been a concern all season and it was the second time in four games he couldn’t finish because of an injury.

Smith, who has 1,012 rushing yards, missed the fourth quarter at Kentucky with a concussion. But unlike that 21-20 loss on Oct. 18, Arkansas got some positive plays out of its backup running backs.

“I liked the way we reacted when Michael was out,” Bobby Petrino said.

Junior Brandon Barnett and freshman Dennis Johnson filled in admirably, helping the Razorbacks put together a 15-play touchdown drive to open the second half.

Barnett was especially effective on short-yardage plays, helping the Hogs convert time and time again.

“I practiced hard all week and told myself if I ever got the chance to get in, just go run hard and take care of the ball,” said Barnett, who hasn’t carried the ball since the Alabama game on Sept. 20.

Barnett — who had been slowed by knee and calf injuries this season — finished with 45 yards on seven carries. He scored a touchdown on a one-yard plunge in the fourth quarter. Johnson contributed 10 rushing yards and caught three passes for 18 more.

“We didn’t have too much of a drop off,” center Jonathan Luigs said. “Obviously we missed (Smith’s) playmaking ability and maybe his experience on pass blocking and picking up the different looks, but Brandon and Dennis Johnson came in and filled in perfectly.”

However, the Razorbacks are hoping to have Smith — who became the ninth running back in school history to run for 1,000 yards — back on the field soon.

Arkansas’ bye week couldn’t come at a better time for those reasons. The Razorbacks have two weeks before playing Mississippi State on Nov. 22.

“We need to make sure we get healthy,” Petrino said.