Vanderbilt’s three-game winning streak came to an end with a 27-24 loss against Texas at FirstBank Stadium, but the Commodores still have a chance at bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt’s record now stands at 5-3, with a 2-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and this loss likely dashed their hopes for a playoff spot after a thrilling 40-35 victory over Alabama earlier this month.
The Commodores opened the scoring with an 18-yard touchdown run by Diego Pavia in the first quarter. Texas responded with three consecutive touchdowns, but Vanderbilt managed to cut the halftime deficit to 21-10 with a 54-yard field goal from Brock Taylor just before the break.
In the third quarter, Vanderbilt narrowed Texas’ lead to 24-17 following a 3-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Junior Sherrill. However, a key interception thrown by Pavia allowed Texas to extend their lead with a subsequent field goal.
Pavia did lead Vanderbilt on a final scoring drive, throwing a short touchdown pass to Eli Stowers to bring the score to 27-24 with only 46 seconds remaining. Unfortunately for the Commodores, Texas recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the game.
Quinn Ewers had an impressive performance for Texas, passing for 288 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Pavia finished the game 16-of-29 for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The game had several key moments, including a crucial interception by Pavia on a fourth-and-two attempt late in the fourth quarter, which likely ended Vanderbilt’s hopes for a comeback. Before that, Ewers had kept Texas’ offense rolling with a series of efficient drives.
With this loss, Vanderbilt faces a tough path ahead, but they still have opportunities to qualify for a bowl game in the remainder of their schedule.