Texas beats Vanderbilt 34-31, playoff hopes rise

Jason Jones

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Texas knocks off Vanderbilt 34-31, pushes back in Playoff race image

© Kyle Robertson/Colum

TL;DR

  • Texas built an early lead with strong offense, including a 75-yard touchdown from Ryan Wingo.
  • Vanderbilt mounted a significant comeback in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points.
  • Arch Manning's return from injury and a strong defensive first half were key for Texas.
  • The game concluded with Texas narrowly defeating Vanderbilt 34-31, impacting SEC standings.

Texas vs Vanderbilt Game Recap: 

Texas started this contest with tremendous offensive momentum. Their strategy was bold, and they aimed to challenge Vanderbilt. Ryan Wingo, a wide receiver for Texas, kicked off the Texas offensive surge with a 75-yard touchdown reception. The plan was effective during the initial period. Texas built up a lead that seemed insurmountable considering how Vanderbilt typically wins games. 

Arch Manning looked remarkably sharp in the early going as they built an early lead. With a late touchdown in the first half, Vanderbilt narrowed the lead to 24-10. In the first half, it seemed this would end a very one sided affair. 

The second half was a very different story. Vanderbilt scored 21 unanswered points in the second half. By the latter end of the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt had clawed all the way back to find themselves within three of the lead. In the end, the Texas lead was too much to overcome.

The game preview stated that if Arch Manning had one of his better days, this game could be close. As it turned out the combination of Arch Manning returning from injury with a very productive day, plus the Texas defense stifling the Vanderbilt offense in the first half that indeed proved to be the difference. 

Texas QB Arch Manning went for 328 yards passing on 25/33 and 3 touchdowns. While not to be outdone, Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia went for 365 yards passing 27/38 and 3 passing touchdowns as well as a significant touchdown run. 

Vanderbilt currently stands at 7-2 overall, 3-2 in the SEC while Texas is 7-2 overall, 4-01 in conference. With a crowded top tier in the SEC, this game could affect the standings. Both teams still faced ranked SEC opponents, so their respective post season journey is still unknown.

Team Performance

  Vanderbilt    Texas   
1st Downs2523
3rd down efficiency7-137-11
4th down efficiency2-20-0
Total Yards423428
Passing365328
Comp/Att27/3825/33
Yards per pass9.69.9
Interceptions thrown00
Rushing58100
Rushing Attempts2427
Yards per rush2.43.7
Penalties8-709-70
Turnovers10
Fumbles lost10
Interceptions thrown00
Possession30:5929:01

Texas defeats Vanderbilt 34-31

 

1:36PM: #88 B.Taylor onside kickoff 17 yards to the TEX48, End Of Play

Texas leads Vanderbilt 34-31

1:33PM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #5 R.Hoskins caught at TEX00, for 8 yards to the TEX00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:33 #88 B.Taylor kick attempt good (H: #38 N.Haberer, LS: #46 D.Harris). 2nd & Goal at TEX 8

1:32PM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #22 M.Young caught at TEX14, for 7 yards to the TEX08 (#5 M.Muhammad). 1st & Goal at TEX 15

1:31PM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass incomplete short left to #0 J.Sherrill thrown to TEX00 QB hurried by #8 T.Moore PENALTY VAN Holding (#55 B.Henderson) 10 yards from TEX05 to TEX15. NO PLAY. 1st & Goal at TEX 5

1:30PM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short middle to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX06, for 15 yards to the TEX05 (#2 D.Williams Jr.), 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at TEX 20

1:29PM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #5 R.Hoskins caught at TEX24, for 14 yards to the TEX20 (#0 A.Hill Jr.), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 10 at TEX 34

1:28PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short middle to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX46, for 16 yards to the TEX34 (#9 J.Williams), 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at 50

1:27PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #0 J.Sherrill caught at VAN41, for 27 yards to the VAN50 (#2 D.Williams Jr.; #11 K.Phillips), 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 23

1:26PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #0 J.Sherrill caught at VAN17, for 21 yards to the VAN23 (#2 D.Williams Jr.; #5 M.Muhammad), 1ST DOWN. 4th & 19 at VAN 2

1:24PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia sacked for loss of 9 yards to the VAN02 (#91 E.Burke). 3rd & 10 at VAN 11

1:21PM: #19 J.Bouwmeester punt 25 yards to the VAN11 fair catch by #4 M.Hight at VAN11. 4th & 11 at VAN 36

1:18PM:  PENALTY TEX False Start (#73 B.Baker) 5 yards from VAN27 to VAN32. NO PLAY. 3rd & 2 at VAN 27

1:15PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #4 C.Baxter rush left for 7 yards gain to the VAN28 (#27 J.Lackey). 1st & 10 at VAN 35

1:11PM: #88 B.Taylor onside kickoff 15 yards to the VAN50, End Of Play

Texas leads Vanderbilt 34-24

1:08PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete deep right to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX30, for 67 yards to the TEX00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 03:54, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 33

1:05PM: #49 M.Shipley field goal attempt from 51 yards NO GOOD (H: #19 J.Bouwmeester, LS: #58 L.St. Louis), clock 04:04. 4th & 6 at VAN 33

12:58PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #3 E.Mosley V caught at VAN45, for 10 yards to the VAN37 (#8 C.Heard), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 3 at VAN 47

12:55PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #0 D.Moore Jr. Caught at TEX45, for 6 yards to the TEX46 (#2 R.Fontenette), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 5 at TEX 40

12:53PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush middle for 5 yards gain to the TEX40 (#7 M.Sewell). 2nd & 10 at TEX 35

12:51PM: #88 B.Taylor kickoff 34 yards to the TEX31 #13 P.Livingstone return 4 yards to the TEX35 (#22 B.Cowan)

Texas leads Vanderbilt 34-16

12:48PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia rush right for 25 yards gain to the TEX00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 10:05, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at TEX 25

12:46PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX26, for 6 yards to the TEX25 (#17 X.Filsaime), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 5 at TEX 31

12:45PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia rush middle for 8 yards gain to the TEX31 (#93 H.Kanu; #18 L.Lefau). 2nd & 13 at TEX 39

12:44PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #16 C.Spence caught at TEX47, for 23 yards to the TEX36 (#2 D.Williams Jr.), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 4 at VAN 41

12:42PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #23 A.Newberry caught at VAN32, for 6 yards to the VAN41 (#18 L.Lefau), out of bounds. 2nd & 10 at VAN 35

12:41PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #50 C.Mitchell caught at VAN35, for 5 yards loss to the VAN35 (#97 A.January). 1st & 5 at VAN 40

12:40PM:  PENALTY TEX Delay Of Game (#1 C.Simmons) 5 yards from VAN35 to VAN40. NO PLAY. 1st & 10 at VAN 35

12:38PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia rush right for 12 yards gain to the VAN35 (#40 L.Jackson), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 23

12:35PM: #49 M.Shipley kickoff 61 yards to the VAN04 #1 T.Hudson return 19 yards to the VAN23 (#26 T.Smith)

Texas leads Vanderbilt 34-10

12:31PM: #49 M.Shipley field goal attempt from 37 yards GOOD (H: #19 J.Bouwmeester, LS: #58 L.St. Louis), clock 00:06. 4th & 10 at VAN 19

12:30PM:  Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short left to #21 R.Niblett caught at VAN26, for 6 yards to the VAN19 (#24 N.Rinaldi), out of bounds. 3rd & 16 at VAN 25

12:29PM:  Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush left for 5 yards gain to the VAN14 (#4 M.Hight), out of bounds PENALTY TEX Holding (#83 S.Shannon) 10 yards from VAN19 to VAN29. NO PLAY. 1st & 10 at VAN 19

12:28PM:  Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush right for 7 yards gain to the VAN19 (#27 J.Lackey), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 1 at VAN 26

12:27PM:  Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short middle to #5 Q.Wisner caught at VAN33, for 11 yards to the VAN26 (#92 J.Stone). 2nd & 12 at VAN 37

12:26PM:  Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush left for 2 yards loss to the VAN37 (#11 B.Longwell), out of bounds. 1st & 10 at VAN 35

12:25PM:  Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush left for 13 yards gain to the VAN35 (#8 C.Heard), 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 7 at VAN 48

12:24PM:  Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass incomplete deep middle to #3 E.Mosley V thrown to VAN44 PENALTY VAN Pass Interference (#4 M.Hight) 15 yards from TEX34 to TEX49, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY. 3rd & 6 at TEX 34

12:23PM:  Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #3 E.Mosley V caught at TEX34, for 4 yards to the TEX34 QB hurried by #99 J.Singh (#3 K.Taylor). 2nd & 10 at TEX 30

Texas leads Vanderbilt 31-10

12:21PM: #88 B.Taylor field goal attempt from 48 yards NO GOOD (H: #38 N.Haberer, LS: #46 D.Harris), clock 05:37. 4th & 19 at TEX 30

12:19PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia sacked for loss of 11 yards to the TEX30 (#91 E.Burke). 3rd & 8 at TEX 19

12:17PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #5 R.Hoskins caught at TEX23, for 7 yards to the TEX19 (#0 A.Hill Jr.), out of bounds. 2nd & 15 at TEX 26

12:16PM:  PENALTY VAN False Start (#55 B.Henderson) 5 yards from TEX21 to TEX26. NO PLAY. 2nd & 10 at TEX 21

12:14PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia rush left for 12 yards gain to the TEX35 (#17 X.Filsaime), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at TEX 47

12:12PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia rush middle for 8 yards gain to the VAN37 (#26 T.Smith), 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 6 at VAN 29

12:09PM: #49 M.Shipley kickoff 59 yards to the VAN06 fair catch by #6 T.Richardson at VAN06

Texas leads Vanderbilt 31-10

12:07PM:  Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short middle to #3 E.Mosley V caught at VAN00, for 6 yards to the VAN00 QB hurried by #10 L.Patterson TOUCHDOWN, clock 09:12, 1ST DOWN #49 M.Shipley kick attempt good (H: #19 J.Bouwmeester, LS: #58 L.St. Louis). 2nd & 5 at VAN 6

12:06PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #88 J.Endries caught at VAN11, for 5 yards to the VAN06 (#8 C.Heard). 1st & 10 at VAN 11

12:05PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short middle to #88 J.Endries caught at VAN20, for 17 yards to the VAN11 (#7 M.Sewell), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 9 at VAN 28

12:04PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short left to #0 D.Moore Jr. Caught at VAN41, for 29 yards to the VAN29 (#2 R.Fontenette), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at TEX 42

12:02PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #13 P.Livingstone caught at TEX38, for 10 yards to the TEX42 (#6 J.Matthews), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 9 at TEX 32

12:01PM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short middle to #3 E.Mosley V caught at TEX24, for 18 yards to the TEX31 (#7 M.Sewell; #29 M.Capers), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 4 at TEX 13

12:00PM:  N. Haberer punt for 0 yds. 4th & 7 at VAN 36

11:59AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia sacked for loss of 2 yards to the VAN36 (#14 B.Spence) PENALTY VAN Holding declined. 3rd & 5 at VAN 38

11:58AM:  PENALTY TEX Offside (#24 W.Roberson) 5 yards from VAN33 to VAN38. NO PLAY. 3rd & 10 at VAN 33

11:55AM: #49 M.Shipley kickoff 64 yards to the VAN01 #6 T.Richardson return 32 yards to the VAN33 (#49 M.Shipley), out of bounds

Team Stats: First Half

  Vanderbilt   Texas   
1st Downs1112
3rd down efficiency4-72-3
4th down efficiency1-10-0
Total Yards167249
Passing153200
Comp/Att14/1812/16
Yards per pass8.512.5
Interceptions thrown00
Rushing1449
Rushing Attempts139
Yards per rush1.15.4
Penalties4-252-10
Turnovers10
Fumbles lost10
Interceptions thrown00
Possession19:0910:51

End of the first half Texas leads Vanderbilt 24-10

11:32AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass incomplete deep middle thrown to VAN00. 1st & 10 at VAN 46

11:30AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short middle to #3 E.Mosley V caught at VAN46, for 15 yards to the VAN46, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN. First down and ten yards to go at the Texas 39-yard line

11:28AM: #88 B.Taylor kickoff 37 yards to the TEX28 #90 J.Sharma return 11 yards to the TEX39 (#22 B.Cowan; #24 N.Rinaldi)

Texas leads Vanderbilt 24-10

11:26AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short middle to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX09, for 18 yards to the TEX00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:11, 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 10 at TEX 18

11:23AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #0 J.Sherrill caught at TEX19, for 7 yards to the TEX18 (#2 D.Williams Jr.; #3 J.Guilbeau). 2nd and 17 at the 25-yard line of the Texas stadium

11:21AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia sacked for loss of 7 yards to the TEX25 (#0 A.Hill Jr.). 1st & 10 at TEX 18

11:18AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX21, for 7 yards to the TEX18 (#2 D.Williams Jr.), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 4th and 5th at TEX 25

11:15AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #9 E.Stowers caught at TEX44, for 17 yards to the TEX30 (#29 G.Littleton), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. Second down and ten yards to go at the Texans' 47-yard line

11:14AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #44 G.Fisher caught at TEX47, for 5 yards to the TEX47 (#8 T.Moore), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 2 at VAN 48

11:13AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short middle to #22 M.Young caught at VAN39, for 6 yards to the VAN48 (#29 G.Littleton), out of bounds. 2nd & 8 at VAN 42

11:12AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #6 T.Richardson caught at VAN30, for 15 yards to the VAN40 (#6 K.Black), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 25

11:11AM: #49 M.Shipley kickoff 65 yards to the VAN00, Touchback

Texas leads Vanderbilt 24-3

11:08AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner ran left for 4 yards, resulting in a touchdown at clock 07:02 #49. M.Shipley's kick attempt was successful (Holder: #19 J.Bouwmeester, Long Snapper: #58 L.St. Louis). 1st & Goal at VAN 4

11:07AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning's pass was completed short right to #17 D.McCutcheon, who was tackled at the VAN04 for a 14-yard gain by #4 M.Hight, resulting in a first down. 1st & 10 at VAN 18

11:06AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #3 E.Mosley V caught at VAN18, for 10 yards to the VAN18 (#3 K.Taylor), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 4 at VAN 28

11:05AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush middle for 5 yards gain to the VAN28 (#94 B.Mann). 2nd & 9 at VAN 33

11:04AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #5 Q.Wisner caught at TEX45, for 17 yards to the VAN34 (#2 R.Fontenette), 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 6 at TEX 49

11:03AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush middle for 8 yards gain to the TEX45 (#1 D.Carter; #4 M.Hight), 1ST DOWN. 1st & 5 at TEX 37

11:01AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #5 Q.Wisner caught at TEX26, for 3 yards to the TEX35 (#96 K.Sydnor) PENALTY VAN Offside 5 yards from TEX32 to TEX37. NO PLAY. 1st & 10 at TEX 32

11:00AM:  B. Taylor kickoff for 51 yds, N. Townsend returns

Texas leads Vanderbilt 17-3

10:57AM: #88 B.Taylor field goal attempt from 44 yards GOOD (H: #38 N.Haberer, LS: #46 D.Harris), clock 11:22. 4th & 11 at TEX 26

10:56AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia sacked for loss of 1 yard to the TEX26 (#8 T.Moore). 3rd & 10 at TEX 25

10:54AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short middle to #0 J.Sherrill caught at TEX30, for 11 yards to the TEX25 (#3 J.Guilbeau), 1ST DOWN. 3rd down and 6 yards to go at the Texas 36-yard line

10:53AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #22 M.Young rush middle for 4 yards loss to the TEX36 (#0 A.Hill Jr.; #1 C.Simmons). 2nd & 2 at TEX 32

10:49AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass incomplete short right to #28 S.Alexander thrown to TEX25 PENALTY TEX Offside (#92 C.Vasek) 5 yards from TEX40 to TEX35. NO PLAY. 1st & 10 at TEX 40

10:48AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short right to #5 R.Hoskins caught at TEX49, for 22 yards to the TEX40 (#3 J.Guilbeau; #4 J.McDonald), 1ST DOWN. First down and ten yards to go at the Vancouver 38-yard line.

10:47AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #0 J.Sherrill caught at VAN28, for 17 yards to the VAN38 (#2 D.Williams Jr.), 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 21

10:45AM:  M. Shipley kickoff for 59 yds, T. Richardson returns

Texas leads Vanderbilt 17-0

10:44AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #4 C.Baxter caught at VAN00, for 6 yards to the VAN00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 02:11 #49 M.Shipley kick attempt good (H: #19 J.Bouwmeester, LS: #58 L.St. Louis). 1st & Goal at VAN 6

10:43AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #4 C.Baxter rush middle for 5 yards gain to the VAN06 (#10 L.Patterson; #99 J.Singh), 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 3 at VAN 11

10:42AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #4 C.Baxter rush left for 7 yards gain to the VAN11 (#22 B.Cowan; #7 M.Sewell). 1st & 10 at VAN 18

10:41AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #13 P.Livingstone caught at VAN30, for 11 yards to the VAN18 (#10 L.Patterson), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 29

10:40AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short left to #0 D.Moore Jr. Caught at VAN39, for 14 yards to the VAN29 (#2 R.Fontenette), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 3 at VAN 43

10:39AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #5 Q.Wisner rush left for 13 yards gain to the TEX50 (#11 B.Longwell), 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 4 at TEX 37

10:37AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short left to #3 E.Mosley V caught at TEX28, for 6 yards to the TEX37 (#24 N.Rinaldi). First down and ten yards to go at the Texas 31-yard line

10:35AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short left to #1 R.Wingo caught at TEX14, for 14 yards to the TEX31 (#17 M.Davis), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at TEX 17

10:33AM: #38 N.Haberer punt 45 yards to the TEX05 #21 R.Niblett return 12 yards to the TEX17 (#27 J.Lackey). 4th & 11 at 50

10:31AM:  Shotgun #28 S.Alexander rush left for 0 yards to the TEX40 (#5 M.Muhammad), out of bounds PENALTY VAN Holding (#53 J.White) 10 yards from TEX40 to TEX50. NO PLAY. At the 40-yard line of the Texas team, it's 3rd down and 1 yard to go.

10:30AM:  Shotgun #22 M.Young rush middle for 6 yards gain to the TEX43 (#4 J.McDonald). 1st & 10 at TEX 49

10:28AM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #22 M.Young caught at VAN31, for 18 yards to the TEX49 (#2 D.Williams Jr.), 1ST DOWN. Second down and fifteen from The Vancouver 33-yard line

10:27AM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short middle to #28 S.Alexander caught at VAN36, for 33 yards to the TEX29 (#17 X.Filsaime) PENALTY VAN Illegal Forward Pass (#2 D.Pavia) 5 yards from VAN38 to VAN33. NO PLAY. First down and ten yards to go at the Vancouver 38-yard line.

10:24AM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia rush middle for 13 yards gain to the VAN38 (#4 J.McDonald), 1ST DOWN. 2nd & 10 at VAN 25

10:22AM: #49 M.Shipley kickoff 65 yards to the VAN00 fair catch by #6 T.Richardson at VAN00

Texas leads Vanderbilt 10-0

10:20AM: #49 M.Shipley field goal attempt from 39 yards GOOD (H: #19 J.Bouwmeester, LS: #58 L.St. Louis), clock 11:38. 4th & 15 at VAN 21

10:18AM:  PENALTY TEX Delay Of Game 5 yards from VAN16 to VAN21. NO PLAY. 3rd & 10 at VAN 16

10:17AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short left to #21 R.Niblett caught at VAN35, for 13 yards to the VAN16 (#7 M.Sewell), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN. 1st & 10 at VAN 29

10:16AM:  Shotgun #2 D.Pavia sacked for loss of 9 yards to the VAN29 (#1 C.Simmons), fumble by #2 D.Pavia recovered by TEX #1 C.Simmons at VAN29, End Of Play. First down and ten yards to go at the Vancouver 38-yard line.

10:15AM:  Shotgun #28 S.Alexander rush middle for 5 yards gain to the VAN38 (#93 H.Kanu), 1ST DOWN. 3rd & 2 at VAN 33

10:13AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #2 D.Pavia pass complete short left to #6 T.Richardson caught at VAN23, for 6 yards to the VAN31 (#3 J.Guilbeau; #8 T.Moore) 1st & 10 at VAN 25

Texas leads Vanderbilt 7-0

10:12AM: #49 M.Shipley kickoff 62 yards to the VAN03 fair catch by #6 T.Richardson at VAN03

10:10AM:  No Huddle-Shotgun #16 A.Manning pass complete short right to #1 R.Wingo caught at TEX20, for 75 yards to the VAN00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 14:49, 1ST DOWN #49 M.Shipley kick attempt good (H: #19 J.Bouwmeester, LS: #58 L.St. Louis) 1st & 10 at TEX 25

10:07AM: #88 B.Taylor kickoff 65 yards to the TEX00, Touchback

 

No. 9 Vanderbilt vs No. 20 Texas Game Preview

This game has incredible playoff implications but for very different reasons. If Vanderbilt wins, they control their own playoff destiny to some degree. Conversely though, if Texas wins, they still have a very treacherous path the playoff.

Even if Texas can beat Vanderbilt, going onto also beat No. 5 Georgia and No. 3 Texas A&M is just not likely. If Texas loses to Vanderbilt, their playoff hopes are likely over as that would mean they have two SEC losses. In a conference that has 6 teams with one conference loss or less.  

There is good news for Texas as quarterback Arch Manning is off the availability reports and is expected to start this game. Even with Manning under center, the Longhorns offense has just not been as consistent as it has in recent years. While Manning is in range of other top quarterbacks for production, the Texas running game needs a lot more than they’ve been getting.

Quintrevion Wisner is the leading rusher with only 263 yards and two touchdowns on only a 3.8 yards per carry average. The running game has been down enough that quarterback Arch Manning is the team’s second leading rusher with only two less rushing attempts. Even if Manning plays well throwing the ball, Texas is still going to need some semblance of balance. Otherwise, Vanderbilt could control the time of possession.

Texas was viewed as a title contender before the season began. Starting off in the No. 1 position, they have not lived up to that billing. However, that is not the fault of the defense who are still playing at an elite level. Texas is only one of three teams that have a top 10 defense vs both the run and the pass. Which could very well create opportunities for Texas.

Vanderbilt has the 8th worst offensive line in the Power 4. That number is even more relevant when we look at only pass blocking where they rank 5th to last. If Texas is to make this a competitive game, the Longhorn defense will need to get after Deigo Pavia. Last week Vanderbilt had a tough time protecting Pavia vs Missouri. Who does not rank as high as Texas in pass rush.

Texas has the ability on defense to keep the game close. If Arch Manning can have one of his better passing games, this could be close. If either of those factors for Texas fall short, this could be a game Vanderbilt controls and they have found multiple ways to win games this season.

Jason Jones

Jason Jones is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has covered all major sports for the past two decades. Jason began his career in sports radio broadcasting, working for WKNR in Cleveland and KKML in Denver as a show host, producer and director of production. He previously worked as an NFL Draft analyst and reporter for Yahoo Sports Radio.