Week Result: #8 Texas def. #3 Tennessee, 52–13
Texas delivered one of its most complete performances of the season—explosive on offense, disciplined on defense, and ruthless in efficiency. From the opening drive, the Longhorns controlled tempo, space, and physicality.
Quarterbacks
QB Marcel Reed
Passing: 21/31, 301 YDS, 5 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: 10 CAR, 86 YDS, 8.6 AVG
This was a statement game from Marcel Reed and arguably his most complete outing of the season.
- Reed consistently punished Tennessee for loading the box, showing patience and confidence in the pocket.
- The five passing touchdowns were spread across multiple receivers, showing full command of the offense.
- His 67% completion rate paired with 14.3 yards per completion highlights how aggressive yet efficient he was.
- As a runner, Reed was decisive and physical—86 yards on 10 carries kept the Vols’ defense guessing.
- The lone interception was aggressive but did not rattle him; he immediately responded with scoring drives.
Coaching Takeaway: Reed is playing like a veteran field general. He’s seeing leverage pre-snap and finishing drives with poise.
Running Backs
HB Bo Jackson
Rushing: 10 CAR, 71 YDS
Receiving: 4 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD
Bo Jackson was electric in space and lethal as a receiving threat.
- Averaged over 7 yards per carry, consistently getting north-south.
- His receiving touchdown showcased vision and acceleration after the catch.
- He forced missed tackles and turned short throws into chunk gains.
Coaching Takeaway: Jackson is thriving as a dual-threat weapon—his versatility stresses defenses at every level.
HB Micah Rome
Rushing: 4 CAR, 18 YDS, 1 TD
Rome made the most of his limited touches.
- Ran with power near the goal line.
- Finished runs and protected the football.
Coaching Takeaway: Reliable red-zone option who maximizes opportunities.
Wide Receivers / Pass Catchers
WR Kaleb Lockett
Receiving: 6 REC, 81 YDS, 1 TD
- Lockett was Reed’s safety valve and chain mover.
- Crisp routes, strong hands, and reliable separation.
- His touchdown came off excellent timing and anticipation.
Coaching Takeaway: Lockett continues to be a technician and a quarterback’s best friend.
WR DeAndre McCutcheon
Receiving: 6 REC, 75 YDS, 2 TD
McCutcheon was deadly in the red zone.
- Excellent body control and awareness near the goal line.
- Two touchdowns highlighted his chemistry with Reed.
- Physical after the catch, refusing to go down on first contact.
Coaching Takeaway: McCutcheon is becoming a matchup problem inside the 20.
WR J. French
Receiving: 5 REC, 42 YDS, 1 TD
- Reliable and efficient.
- Made tough catches in traffic.
- Finished routes strong.
Coaching Takeaway: French does the dirty work and gets rewarded for it.
WR J. Washington
Receiving: 2 REC, 38 YDS
- Limited targets, but maximized opportunities.
- Provided vertical spacing.
Offensive Line
While individual OL stats don’t jump off the screen, the group dominated the trenches.
- Only 1 sack allowed
- Averaged 7.0 yards per rush
- Consistently created clean pockets and second-level lanes
Coaching Takeaway: This was a clinic in pass protection and run blocking discipline.
Defensive Front Seven
FS Xavier Filsaime
11 TKL, 2 TFL, 0.5 SACK, 1 DEFL
- Everywhere on the field.
- Triggered downhill with confidence.
- Cleaned up plays and set the tone physically.
Coaching Takeaway: Filsaime is the heartbeat of the defense.
LB Dalton Brooks
8 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 SACK
- Strong pursuit and gap integrity.
- Timely pressure on passing downs.
DL Zion Umeozulu
5 TKL, 3 TFL, 1.5 SACK
- Disruptive force up front.
- Consistently collapsing the pocket.
- Tennessee struggled to establish any run game because of him.
DL D. Simmons
3 TKL, 2 TFL, 2 SACK
- Excellent burst off the snap.
- Won multiple one-on-one matchups.
Secondary
CB Kobe Black
3 TKL, 1 INT (60 YDS)
- Game-changing interception with elite return instincts.
- Locked down his assignment.
- Excellent awareness in zone coverage.
Coaching Takeaway: Black’s ball skills flipped momentum completely.
CB C. Ross II
8 TKL, 1 INT (29 YDS)
- Physical tackling from the corner position.
- Jumped routes with confidence.
Team Summary
- Total Offense: 506 yards
- Yards Per Play: 8.2
- 3rd Down Conversion: 75%
- Tennessee Rushing Avg: 0.6 YPC
Texas dominated every phase. The offense was explosive and balanced, while the defense suffocated Tennessee’s run game and forced turnovers at critical moments.
Final Coaching Assessment
This was a championship-caliber performance. Execution, discipline, and aggression were all present. If this level of play continues, Texas is firmly positioned as one of the most dangerous teams in the PML.
