Orange Bowl 2012: Clemson Vs. West Virginia: Mountaineers Running Back Dustin Garrison To Miss Orange Bowl

Read More: Shawne Alston (RB - West Virginia), Dustin Garrison (RB - West Virginia), West Virginia Mountaineers, Clemson Tigers

West Virginia Mountaineers running back Dustin Garrison was injured during today's practice and will miss the 2012 Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers, Brett McMurphy of CBSSports.com reports.

According to Andrea Aldeson of ESPN.com, Garrison is believed to have a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee with some additional damage to his medial collateral ligament in the same knee. Surgery will be required, which will be accompanied by a six-month rehabilitation process.

The freshman led the Mountaineers in rushing in 2011, gaining 742 yards with six touchdowns while adding 24 receptions for 201 yards out of the backfield. Garrison burst on the scene in a 55-10 win over Bowling Green, carrying the ball 32 times for 291 yards with a pair of touchdown. Prior to that game, Garrison had just 13 carries for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

With Garrison out, junior running back Shawne Alston may carry the load in the backfield. Alston gained 339 yards on the season, with nearly a third of that production coming in a 41-31 over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on October 29. The 5-foot-11, 221-pound Alston leads the Mountaineers with 10 rushing touchdowns.

For more on the Mountaineers, head over to the SB Nation blog The Smoking Musket.Check out Shakin' The Southland for everything Tigers. Head over to the official site of the Orange Bowl for more on this year's game.