Texas beat Mississippi State 31-3 Saturday, earning their first comfortable win since UTSA in Week 3. In this game, the offense was (once again) uneven while the defense was (once again) nearly perfect. There were multiple strong performances on defense from but one that rose well above the pack. On offense, there were a few huge performances that produced enough offense for the Longhorns.
Here are who shined the most on each side of the ball:
Texas Longhorns Offense: WR Emmett Mosley V
Arch Manning did earn some consideration here but the timely plays from Mosley put him over the top. After the sole turnover, Mosley’s explosive catch was the start of a much needed scoring drive. Then, the TD from Mosley put the game on ice and allowed Texas the chance to breathe before the final whistle.
He finished the day with four catches for 98 yards and a TD, leading the Longhorns in each category. In a mess of an offense, the Texas WRs continue to shine when given the chance.
Texas Longhorns Defense: LB Rasheem Biles
Outside Colin Simmons 5-sack performance vs. Tennessee, this was the best individual defensive performance of the season. Biles finished the afternoon with 8 tackles, 4 TFLs and 3 sacks, including the one that forced the Swann fumble, leading to a Texas TD. On a defense with elite, NFL talent all over the place, No. 3 continues to shine bright. As Colin Simmons comes back next week, it seems Muschamp has fully activated Biles’ pass rush ability at just the right time.
Texas Longhorns Special Teams: K Gianni Spetic
This was a rather uneventful day for the special teams. Outside one block in the back, there was little to be upset(or overly excited) about. That being said, Spetic continues to build a very nice first season in Austin. He hit a 45-yard FG and consistently kicked touchbacks, avoiding returns from the dangerous Mississippi State playmakers. Again, not a headline catching performance but that’s a positive given the early season struggles.
Texas Longhorns Coaching: DC Will Muschamp
This is becoming the easiest award every week. Will Muschamp continues to be the single biggest addition to Texas this season, leading a top 5 unit each and every week. Obviously, without Kamario Taylor the job became much easier but it doesn’t change the results. Less than 200 yards allowed, 7 sacks, 9 TFLs and a fumble returned for a score. The defense continues to be the sole reason Texas is still alive for the CFP, and the Muschamp brilliance is at the center of it.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns of the Week vs. Mississippi State: Mosley, Biles, Muschamp
