Texas Holds Off Vanderbilt in Close Win
The Texas Longhorns escaped Nashville with a hard-fought 24-21 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday. The game was a nail-biter throughout, with both teams trading blows in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.
A Tight First Half
The first half was a defensive struggle, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. Texas managed to put together a few solid drives, culminating in a 28-yard field goal by Bert Auburn to take a 3-0 lead. Vanderbilt responded with a 27-yard field goal of their own by Joseph Bulovas, tying the score at 3-3.
The Longhorns finally broke through late in the second quarter when quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with wide receiver Jordan Whittington for a 33-yard touchdown pass. However, the Commodores answered right back with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Mike Wright to Will Sheppard, sending the teams into halftime tied at 10-10.
A Thrilling Second Half
The second half continued the back-and-forth nature of the game. Texas took the lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by Bijan Robinson early in the third quarter, but Vanderbilt quickly responded with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Wright to Sheppard to tie the score once again.
The Longhorns regained the lead midway through the fourth quarter on a 26-yard field goal by Auburn. However, the Commodores once again had an answer, driving down the field and tying the game at 21-21 on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Wright to Sheppard, his third touchdown of the game.
A Late Game Hero
With the clock ticking down, Texas' defense stepped up, forcing a punt and giving the Longhorns one final chance to win the game. Ewers led the offense on a crucial drive, culminating in a 24-yard field goal by Auburn with just over a minute remaining to secure the 24-21 victory.
Key Takeaways
- Texas' defense stood tall when it mattered most: The Longhorns allowed Vanderbilt to rack up 433 yards of total offense, but they made key stops late in the game to secure the win.
- Quinn Ewers continues to impress: The young quarterback showed poise and composure in the face of adversity, leading the Longhorns on several crucial drives.
- Vanderbilt's offense showed flashes of brilliance: The Commodores were led by the impressive play of Mike Wright and Will Sheppard, who combined for three touchdowns.
This was a hard-fought victory for Texas, and it showcased their resilience and ability to win even when not playing their best. With the win, the Longhorns improve to 5-2 on the season, while Vanderbilt falls to 4-4.