Defense, Special Teams shine in No. 7 Texas’ 35-6 win over BYU

Photo Courtesy: Jay Janner/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Saturday, redshirt freshman quarterback Maalik Murphy was tasked with leading the Longhorns against the BYU Cougars in his first career collegiate start. Despite some early signs of inexperience, Murphy did his part in Texas’s comfortable 35-6 win, throwing two touchdown passes.

Following the injury to Quinn Ewers against Houston last weekend, all eyes turned to Maalik Murphy. The second-year quarterback has patiently waited behind Ewers for over a year now, and has the chance to play an instrumental role in potentially contributing to Texas’ dreams of making a trip to Arlington in December. However, Murphy had to shake off some early rust after throwing a first quarter interception, followed by a fumble on the first play of the second quarter. Afterwards, Murphy dialed in with two touchdown passes to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, and did a solid job of not forcing the football into tight windows.

While Murphy’s first career start may have been the leading storyline, Xavier Worthy was the player that set the tone on Saturday. After stalling on their first drive of the game, BYU was forced to punt to Worthy, who wasted no time by taking the ball to the house on a 74-yard touchdown return.

In addition to special teams play, the Longhorns defense complemented the offense perfectly on Saturday. In fact, the defense was directly responsible for 21 points after the Longhorns offense capitalized on interceptions from both Terrance Brooks and Michael Taaffe, as well as a fumble forced by Justice Finkley.

With Quinn Ewers being out with a grade 2 AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder, this is how the Longhorns will need to continue to win games. Do not get me wrong, Saturday’s performance was not necessarily the greatest looking product at all times, such as when the offense failed to convert on fourth down within the BYU 5-yard line on two separate occasions, but everyone did their part. Offense, defense and special teams – the three-pronged yin and yang – was balanced on Saturday, leaving the Longhorns with a comfortable win over their new conference opponent.

Next weekend, the Longhorns will host the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. Further information regarding the game is to be determined.