By PML College Insider | Austin, TX
In a dominant 53–25 win over UTSA, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns left no doubt that their Week 1 shutout wasn’t a fluke — it was the beginning of something bigger. Behind a record-setting offensive explosion and a defense that forced two turnovers, Coach Cody Hirsch’s team took another step toward establishing itself as a national powerhouse in the PML College Football universe.
🧠 QB Maalik Murphy — Air Commander
Stat line: 22-of-35 (60 %) | 360 yards | 2 TD | 1 INT
Murphy looked every bit like the senior leader Texas needs. He showcased poise in the pocket and delivered strike after strike, finishing with a 159.5 rating and a pair of touchdowns — including an 81-yard bomb that left the crowd roaring.
The lone interception came on an aggressive vertical shot early in the third quarter, but Murphy responded by orchestrating back-to-back scoring drives immediately after. His ability to reset after mistakes reflects a quarterback maturing into full command of the offense.
Coach Hirsch: “Maalik’s confidence never wavered. He’s playing fast, reading clean, and elevating everyone around him.”
Grade: A — Field general energy with NFL-level arm talent.
🐂 HB CJ Baxter — The Bulldozer from Orlando
Stat line: 17 carries, 189 yards (11.1 AVG), 3 TD
Baxter turned in one of the most explosive performances of the young PML season. With two runs of 70 + yards, he gashed UTSA’s front seven repeatedly and reminded the nation why he’s the centerpiece of this Texas offense.
His blend of vision, burst, and power made him impossible to corral. Each time UTSA crept close, Baxter answered with a knockout punch.
Baxter postgame: “Our O-line gave me daylight — I just had to hit it.”
Grade: A+ — Pure dominance. Every carry felt like a threat to score.
⚡ WR Kaliq Lockett — Untouchable in Space
Stat line: 6 rec, 174 yards, 1 TD | 81-yard long
Lockett put on a clinic. His 81-yard touchdown reception was a masterpiece — a perfect go-ball from Murphy followed by elite separation down the sideline. But it wasn’t just one play; he consistently punished single coverage and turned short gains into explosives.
Grade: A+ — Unstoppable. Looks like a Biletnikoff frontrunner in the making.
🎯 TE Jack Endries — Emerging Weapon
Stat line: 4 rec, 81 yards, 1 TD
Endries stepped up as the steady complement to Lockett, thriving in the seams and on crossing routes. His red-zone touchdown in the second quarter was all about body control and strong hands through contact.
Grade: A — Dependable and physical — perfect WR2 material.
💨 WR Ryan Wingo — Chain-Mover Extraordinaire
Stat line: 5 rec, 41 yards**
Wingo’s stat line might not pop, but his impact on 3rd downs was huge. He kept drives alive with crisp route-running and precise timing with Murphy.
Grade: B+ — The glue guy in the receiver rotation.
💥 LB Ty’Anthony Smith — The Enforcer
Stat line: 14 tackles (5 TFL) | 0.5 sack
Smith once again led the defense with controlled chaos. He shot gaps with perfect timing, disrupted inside runs, and consistently cleaned up open-field tackles. His 14 tackles tied for a season high and reinforced his status as the heartbeat of the Texas defense.
Defensive Coordinator: “Ty’Anthony is seeing the game faster every week. He’s the quarterback of our defense.”
Grade: A+ — A complete linebacker performance.
🧱 EDGE Zina Umeozulu — Quiet Havoc
Stat line: 6 tackles | 3 sacks**
Umeozulu feasted off the edge, winning with both speed and counter moves. His ability to collapse the pocket freed up rush lanes for Logan Fano and others.
Grade: A — Disruptive and relentless.
⚔️ DE Logan Fano — Backfield Destroyer
Stat line: 4 tackles | 2.5 sacks**
Fano continues to terrorize opposing lines. His swim move and closing burst were on full display, as he consistently beat protection and forced hurried throws.
Grade: A — Texas’ defensive front might be the nation’s best.
🧊 CB Kobe Black — Steady and Smart
Stat line: 4 tackles, 1 PBU**
Kobe Black continued to lock down his side of the field. His technique and anticipation neutralized UTSA’s top receiver, while his physicality in run support set the tone on the perimeter.
Grade: A — Consistency that championship defenses depend on.
🧩 CB Eli Bowen — The Ball Hawk
Stat line: 8 tackles | 1 INT (17 yards)**
Bowen’s first interception of the season came at a crucial moment, killing a UTSA rally in the third quarter. His instincts and range make him a nightmare for quarterbacks testing the middle of the field.
Grade: A — Big-play safety with growing swagger.
⚙️ Offensive Line — Relentless Control
Texas’ O-line once again dominated the trenches. They allowed zero sacks, paved the way for 214 rushing yards, and gave Murphy clean pockets on nearly every dropback. The interior duo of guards completely neutralized UTSA’s pass rush.
Grade: A+ — Complete protection and push for four quarters.
🧡 Coaching & Gameplan
Coach Hirsch and his staff delivered a near-perfect performance. The offensive play-calling struck a flawless balance between tempo and control, while the defense attacked with variety and discipline. The halftime adjustments kept UTSA guessing, and the sideline composure reflected a veteran team in rhythm.
Coach Hirsch postgame: “This was about execution. Every player did their job — that’s Texas football.”
Grade: A+ — Championship-level preparation and focus.
Final Takeaway: Texas Is Rolling
Two weeks in, and the message is clear — Texas is for real.
With Maalik Murphy carving defenses through the air, CJ Baxter pounding the rock like a man possessed, and Ty’Anthony Smith anchoring a dominant defense, Coach Hirsch’s Longhorns look like the most complete team in the PML College Football landscape.
“We’re just scratching the surface,” Hirsch said. “We want perfection.”
Next up: another test, another chance to prove that Texas doesn’t just win — it overwhelms.
