Vanderbilt’s three-game winning streak has come to an end following a 27-24 loss to Texas at FirstBank Stadium. Despite the defeat, the Commodores (5-3, 2-2 in SEC) still have hopes of securing a bowl game, although their chances for a Playoff bid may have diminished.
Vanderbilt was the first to score with Diego Pavia completing an 18-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. However, Texas responded with three consecutive touchdowns, leading to a halftime score of 21-10 after Brock Taylor kicked a 54-yard field goal just before the break.
The Commodores narrowed the gap to 24-17 in the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Junior Sherrill. Unfortunately, an interception thrown by Pavia later allowed Texas to extend their lead with a field goal. Pavia did manage to find Eli Stowers for a touchdown with 46 seconds remaining, but Texas successfully recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the victory.
Quinn Ewers led Texas with an impressive performance, passing for 288 yards and throwing three touchdown passes despite two interceptions. Pavia finished the game with 143 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Key moments included:
– Pavia’s late touchdown pass to Stowers that cut Texas’ lead to 27-24.
– Bert Auburn’s field goal that extended Texas’ lead to 27-17 after Pavia’s interception.
– Pavia’s fourth-quarter interception that potentially dashed Vanderbilt’s hopes for a comeback.
As the game unfolded, Texas established a lead with two early touchdown passes from Ewers. Vanderbilt had initially taken charge with Pavia’s opening score but was unable to maintain momentum against the Longhorns’ offense.
Despite the tough loss, Vanderbilt continues to aim for bowl game eligibility as the season progresses.