Final Score: #2 Texas 42, #6 Auburn 41
Record: 8-0 | Head Coach: Cody Hirsch
In one of the most intense shootouts of the season, the Longhorns survived a furious Auburn rally to remain unbeaten. The offense showed explosive balance, the defense made clutch stops when it mattered, and Texasâ stars rose to the occasion in prime time.
Quarterback Play
đ„ Maalik Murphy (SR, QB)
Stats: 29/49, 289 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs | 116.6 QB Rating | 2 rushes, 13 yards
Murphyâs night was a roller coaster of highs and lows. Despite three interceptions, his poise late in the game defined the outcome. He commanded tempo in the fourth quarter, orchestrating two touchdown drives that swung momentum back in Texasâ favor. His arm talent continues to flash â especially on timing routes to Lockett and the RPO strike to Wingo. However, turnovers remain a concern; decision-making against disguised coverages must improve heading into conference play.
Coachâs Note: Murphyâs leadership and resilience were the difference. When the moment got tense, he trusted his weapons and finished strong.
Running Backs
đ CJ Baxter (SO, HB)
Stats: 15 carries, 144 yards, 2 TDs | 9.6 YPC | Long 29 | 7 receptions, 55 yards
Baxter was unstoppable â punishing Auburnâs front seven with power runs and explosive second-level bursts. His 29-yard score showcased elite vision and balance, bouncing off multiple tacklers. Baxter also proved reliable as a checkdown option, leading all backs in receptions. With 199 total yards, he was the heartbeat of the Texas offense.
M. Terry III (FR, HB)
Stats: 1 carry, 12 yards | 1 reception, 2 yards
Terry showed glimpses in limited touches, displaying quick acceleration on a 12-yard draw. Expect his role to grow as the season progresses.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
⥠Kaliq Lockett (SO, WR)
Stats: 6 receptions, 95 yards | 15.8 AVG | Long 27 | 1 drop
Lockett continues to look like the WR1 Texas envisioned. He consistently found separation downfield and bailed Murphy out on third downs. While he did have a drop, his crisp route-running and physicality after the catch made him a difference-maker.
𧱠Jordan Ffrench (JR, WR)
Stats: 6 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD
Ffrench was clutch in the red zone, hauling in a critical third-quarter touchdown on a quick out route. Heâs emerging as a dependable slot option with sure hands and strong route discipline.
J. Endries (TE)
Stats: 4 receptions, 29 yards, 1 TD
Texasâ tight end was the safety valve all game. Endriesâ short-yardage reliability and toughness after the catch were vital, especially on the goal-line touchdown that kept Texas ahead late.
R. Wingo (WR)
Stats: 3 receptions, 26 yards, 1 TD
Wingoâs athleticism flashed again â his 22-yard touchdown grab was all body control and strength. His chemistry with Murphy continues to grow weekly.
J. Washington (WR)
Stats: 1 reception, 17 yards, 1 TD
A one-touch wonder that proved decisive. Washingtonâs 17-yard TD late in the fourth ignited the comeback spark.
Offensive Line
The front five were tremendous in protection â zero sacks allowed on 49 dropbacks is remarkable. Their communication against Auburnâs multiple fronts was disciplined, and the interior combo dominated in the run game. The pocket stayed clean for Murphy to step up, and the lanes for Baxter were consistent all game long.
Defensive Standouts
đ§ Derek Williams Jr. (JR, FS)
Stats: 12 tackles (6 solo, 6 assists), 2 TFL, 1 PBU
Williams was all over the field â diagnosing plays before they developed and flying downhill in run support. His open-field tackling saved multiple explosive plays, and his range from the deep middle was elite. This was an All-American-caliber performance from one of the best safeties in the nation.
đŁ L. Lefau (LB)
Stats: 10 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks
Lefau played possessed. He was relentless on blitz packages, disrupting Auburnâs rhythm with timely backfield pressure. His 2 sacks were game-altering, both coming on key third downs.
X. Filsaime (S)
Stats: 8 tackles | Excellent pursuit and physicality**
Filsaime complemented Williams beautifully, enforcing the middle of the field and helping contain Auburnâs RPO game. His physical tone energized the defense.
J. Williams (LB)
Stats: 7 tackles, 1 TFL**
Quietly consistent, Williamsâ gap discipline kept Auburnâs inside run game under wraps.
Eli Bowen & Kobe Black (CBs)
Stats: 5 tackles each | 1 INT (Black)**
Both corners held their own against Auburnâs vertical threats. Blackâs interception in the third quarter stopped what couldâve been a backbreaking drive. Bowenâs technique and positioning continue to improve each week.
T. Coffee (DL)
Stats: 4 tackles, 1 TFL**
Coffee provided solid interior push and helped collapse the pocket on multiple passing downs.
Team Summary
Texas showed championship grit. Despite giving up 41 points, the defense delivered clutch stops when it mattered. The offense was explosive yet balanced, with 289 passing yards and 169 rushing yards. The offensive line was the unsung hero â no sacks allowed and consistent push upfront.
The Longhorns proved once again why theyâre a top national contender â resilient, explosive, and battle-tested.
đ¶ Player of the Game: CJ Baxter (HB)
Baxterâs 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns carried the Texas offense through its rough patches. His combination of power, agility, and vision was the difference in a one-point thriller.
