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 a chance at bowl eligibility, although their hopes for a Playoff spot have likely diminished after the game. The Commodores had garnered national attention earlier in the month with a stunning 40-35 victory over Alabama.
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 nailed a 54-yard field goal for Vanderbilt just before the break.
As the third quarter progressed, Vanderbilt narrowed Texas’ lead to 24-17 on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Junior Sherrill with 3:11 left. Unfortunately, a Pavia interception led to a field goal for Texas later in the game.
Pavia managed to lead the Commodores for one final touchdown, connecting with Eli Stowers on a short pass to make the score 27-24 with just 46 seconds remaining. However, Texas was able to recover an onside kick to secure the victory.
Quinn Ewers was a standout for Texas, passing for 288 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Pavia finished the day 16-of-29 for 143 yards, also throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Key Game Moments:
– Vanderbilt initially took a 7-0 lead with a touchdown run from Pavia.
– Texas equalized with a touchdown pass from Ewers and led 14-7 by the end of the first quarter.
– Ewers tossed a third touchdown to extend Texas’ lead to 21-7 just before halftime.
– In the latter stages of the game, Pavia threw a critical interception that shifted momentum, leading to a field goal and extending Texas’ lead to 27-17.
The loss halts Vanderbilt’s recent momentum, but they still have opportunities to become bowl-eligible as the season progresses.