🧠 Overview
The Longhorns looked every bit like a playoff-caliber program in their 59–28 victory over Missouri. Texas’ offense hit on all cylinders, balancing 310 passing yards from senior QB Maalik Murphy with 203 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, the secondary made key takeaways, while the front seven applied consistent disruption.
This was a statement win — a blend of veteran leadership, offensive versatility, and defensive opportunism that sets the tone heading into the second half of the season.
🔥 Offensive Evaluation
QB Maalik Murphy – SR (RS)
Stats: 22/33, 310 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT, 1 sack | 8 CAR, 26 YDS, 2 TD
Murphy was in full command from the opening drive. His 165.5 passer rating reflected precise timing and improved pocket presence. He spread the ball effectively to eight different receivers, showcasing confidence and control. Murphy’s two rushing touchdowns highlighted his dual-threat ability — using his 6’5″, 235-pound frame to bulldoze into the end zone when plays broke down.
Grade: A
Comment: Efficient, confident, and turnover-free — a field general’s performance.
HB C.J. Baxter – SO (RS)
Stats: 19 CAR, 155 YDS, 8.2 AVG, 2 TD, 4 BTK, 55 YAC
Baxter was the heartbeat of the Texas offense. His balance of patience and explosion turned routine carries into highlight runs. He consistently found daylight behind the Longhorns’ strong interior line, and his ability to break tackles kept Missouri’s defense guessing. Baxter’s two touchdowns punctuated another dominant outing in what’s shaping up as an All-American season.
Grade: A+
Comment: The engine of Texas’ offense; his elusiveness and vision were elite.
HB Montrell Terry III – FR
Stats: 5 CAR, 21 YDS | 1 REC, 0 YDS
The freshman continues to develop into a reliable secondary option. He ran decisively between the tackles and provided solid pass protection when called upon. While not flashy in this one, Terry’s physical running style adds depth behind Baxter.
Grade: B-
TE Jack Endries – SR (RS)
Stats: 6 REC, 117 YDS (19.5 AVG), LONG 50
Endries was nearly unstoppable in the middle of the field. His route running against zone coverage was surgical, and his 50-yard catch in the first half shifted momentum entirely. He’s become Murphy’s most trusted chain-mover and safety valve.
Grade: A
Comment: Dominant mismatch weapon — NFL scouts will love this film.
WR Kaliq Lockett – JR
Stats: 5 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD | LONG 28
Lockett’s chemistry with Murphy continues to blossom. He attacked soft zones and made a clutch 28-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. His hands and yards-after-catch ability have quietly made him one of the offense’s most reliable pieces.
Grade: A-
WR J. French – SR
Stats: 6 REC, 58 YDS, 1 TD
French was a consistent chain-mover, operating smoothly in the short-to-intermediate passing game. His touchdown came on a crisp slant, showing both strong hands and body control. French doesn’t always dominate the box score, but he’s a technician who moves the sticks.
Grade: B+
WR Ryan Wingo – SO
Stats: 3 REC, 40 YDS | 1 CAR, 3 YDS, 1 TD
Wingo flashed his playmaking versatility again, scoring on a jet sweep and adding multiple chunk receptions. His explosiveness gives Texas another vertical threat that defenses must respect.
Grade: A-
🛡️ Defensive Evaluation
SS Xavier Filsaime – JR
Stats: 7 TAK (3 SOLO, 4 AST), 2 TFL, 1 INT
Filsaime delivered one of his best all-around performances of the season. His downhill tackling in run support set the tone early, and his interception halted a promising Missouri drive. His hybrid role was on full display — both safety net and enforcer.
Grade: A
CB Eli Bowen – SO
Stats: 5 TAK, 1 INT, 1 DEFLECTION
Bowen’s anticipation in coverage was superb. He read Missouri’s QB perfectly for his interception and limited big plays on the outside. His growth as a second-year starter is accelerating quickly.
Grade: A-
LB Justin Williams – JR
Stats: 5 TAK (3 SOLO, 2 AST)**
Williams continued his steady play, diagnosing screens and runs effectively. While he didn’t record a sack, his presence in the middle disrupted Missouri’s timing on multiple series.
Grade: B+
LB Jacob Lefau – SR
Stats: 4 TAK, 1 SACK, 1 TFL**
Lefau provided the unit’s only sack and remained active in run defense. His leadership and experience keep the linebacking corps anchored in key downs.
Grade: B+
DL Zina Umeozulu – JR
Stats: 3 TAK, 1 TFL, 1 QB Pressure**
Umeozulu was quietly disruptive, especially in second-half pass rush sets. While the stat sheet doesn’t pop, his gap control and containment helped free up the linebackers behind him.
Grade: B
CB Kobe Black – JR
Stats: 3 TAK, 1 DEFLECTION**
Black wasn’t heavily targeted but remained disciplined in coverage. He continues to be the quiet, steady presence that allows the safeties to roam freely.
Grade: B
⚡ Special Teams & Coaching
The Longhorns’ special teams maintained solid field position throughout the night. The coaching staff’s balance on offense — 35 runs to 33 passes — reflected confidence and adaptability. Texas dictated tempo, controlled time of possession, and finished drives consistently.
Coach Hirsch’s Game Plan Grade: A+
Perfect offensive rhythm, creative play calling, and a defense that adjusted masterfully after halftime.
🏆 Final Thoughts
This was vintage Texas football — physical, explosive, and opportunistic.
Maalik Murphy showed veteran poise, C.J. Baxter reaffirmed his star status, and the defense turned in a complete, turnover-generating performance.
If the Longhorns continue executing at this level, a playoff berth — and potentially a national championship — is well within reach.
