Texas Escapes Vanderbilt with a Nail-Biting 27-24 Win
Austin, Texas - The Texas Longhorns squeaked out a 27-24 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in a tense and unpredictable game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Despite a shaky start and a valiant comeback effort by Vanderbilt, the Longhorns ultimately secured the win, moving their record to 3-1 on the season.
A Slow Start for the Longhorns
Texas struggled to find their rhythm early in the game, with the offense appearing sluggish and the defense allowing Vanderbilt to move the ball with relative ease. The Commodores took an early lead with a field goal, but the Longhorns responded with a touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to Xavier Worthy, putting them ahead 7-3.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The second quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Vanderbilt scored two touchdowns in quick succession, taking a 17-7 lead. However, Texas answered with a touchdown of their own, cutting the lead to 17-14 at halftime.
Texas Takes Control in the Third Quarter
The third quarter belonged to Texas, as the offense found its groove and the defense tightened up. A field goal and another touchdown pass from Ewers to Worthy put the Longhorns ahead 24-17.
A Late Vanderbilt Push
Vanderbilt, however, refused to go down without a fight. The Commodores scored a touchdown with just over two minutes left in the game, bringing the score to 24-24.
Texas Secures the Win
With the game on the line, Texas was able to drive down the field and secure a field goal with seconds remaining, putting them up 27-24. The Longhorns' defense held strong in the final moments, sealing the victory and avoiding a major upset.
Key Takeaways
- Quinn Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for two touchdowns and 284 yards. He'll need to continue to improve his consistency and decision-making.
- Xavier Worthy emerged as a true game-changer, hauling in two touchdown catches. His speed and explosiveness pose a constant threat to opposing defenses.
- Texas' defense struggled at times but showed their resilience in the final minutes. They will need to be more consistent moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The win against Vanderbilt is a good sign for the Longhorns, but they know they have a lot of work to do if they want to contend for a Big 12 title. Their next challenge comes against a tough Oklahoma State team.
This game highlighted the importance of playing every opponent with respect and intensity. The Longhorns learned a valuable lesson in this narrow escape, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in their upcoming games.