Texas Longhorns' Unsung Heroes Deliver Huge Win Over Ole Miss

The Texas Longhorns nearly let another big game slip away Saturday night, but a handful of players delivered when Steve Sarkisian needed them most.

Texas escaped with a 34-27 victory over No. 7 Ole Miss, improving to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play. After building a commanding 24-3 halftime lead, the Longhorns watched the Rebels rally to tie the game before surviving a frantic fourth quarter.

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Without standout performances from Raleek Brown, Rasheem Biles, Justin Cryer and Alex January, Texas might be dealing with its third loss instead of celebrating a season-saving victory.

Brown provided the offensive spark, carrying 23 times for a career-high 157 yards. The transfer running back repeatedly exploited running lanes created by the offensive line, including a 47-yard fourth-quarter burst that helped set up a crucial field goal.

Texas finished with 207 rushing yards, providing welcome balance to an offense that struggled with turnovers and third-down conversions.

Defensively, linebackers Biles and Cryer were difference-makers.

Both transfers intercepted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, disrupting a passing attack that had given opponents plenty of problems this season. Biles contributed four tackles, an interception and multiple quarterback pressures, while Cryer added five tackles and his first interception as a Longhorn.

Their performances were especially important with star pass rusher Colin Simmons unavailable.

Chambliss completed just 25 of 52 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Rebels managed only 113 rushing yards.

January delivered arguably the game's biggest special-teams play.

With Texas clinging to a 31-24 lead in the fourth quarter, the defensive tackle blocked Lucas Carneiro's field-goal attempt, preventing Ole Miss from cutting into the deficit. The Longhorns capitalized on the ensuing possession with a field goal of their own.

Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp also deserves recognition.

Despite surrendering the second-half lead, his defense generated three interceptions and forced seven punts. Safety Jelani McDonald contributed a team-high 12 tackles and sealed the victory with an end-zone interception on the final play.

Ole Miss coach Pete Golding acknowledged the challenge afterward, describing Texas as a "really good football team" that was "really well coached."

Still, Sarkisian has plenty to address.

Texas committed 14 penalties for 134 yards, converted just three of 13 third downs and allowed another comfortable lead to disappear.

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The Longhorns survived because their supporting cast delivered critical plays.

With Mississippi State visiting Austin on Halloween, Sarkisian needs those contributions again — preferably without another fourth-quarter escape act.