Texas vs. Kentucky Live In-Game Updates: Longhorns Hold Off Wildcats 31-14

The Texas Longhorns face off in a must-win matchup vs. the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday.

Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown tries to avoid a tackle by Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) while returning a kick during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

AUSTIN - The Texas Longhorns are set to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, in what is a must win for their College Football Playoff hopes.

The Horns currently sit at No. 3 in the rankings and No. 2 in the playoff seeding ahead of the matchup, but have little to no margin for error for the remainder of the season.

Currently, Texas sits as three-score favorites over the Wildcats. That said, Kentucky has had a propensity for upsets this season, taking down Ole Miss earlier in the year, and narrowly falling to the Georgia Bulldogs as well.

The good news for Texas, is that they are as healthy as can be heading into the game, with DeAndre Moore, Morice Blackwell and Colton Vasek - all of whom appeared on the injury report this week - each set to take the field on Saturday.

So can Texas take care of business and avoid a disappointment ahead of their showdown with Texas A&M next week?

Follow along for live in-game updates below after kickoff:

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FIRST QUARTER

After facing an early third and long, Texas QB Quinn Ewers hit Matthew Golden for a first down, kick-starting the drive. A few plays later the Horns were in the end zone on a Ewers to Gunnar Helm touchdown pass, taking an early 7-0 lead.

change of possession

Kentucky got of to a good start on its first drive, gashing the Texas defense on the opening play for a big gain. After that, however, the Horns got after QB Brock Vandagriff and got the stop, forcing a punt.

change of possession

Texas had a promising drive in the works on their next possession, but ended up turning it over on downs after an incomplete pass on fourth and short.

change of possession

The Longhorns defense forced another three and out, and Kentucky punted for the second possession in a row.

change of possession

The next Texas possession was derailed by penalties, and the Horns were forced to punt.

change of possession

SECOND QUARTER

The Longhorns had the Kentucky offense on the ropes yet again, but Vandagriff was able to complete a big pass on third down to put the Wildcats in scoring position. A few plays later, the Wildcats were in the end zone for their first score of the game, tying things up at 7-7.

change of possession

On the next possession, Texas marched right down the field to get back into scoring position behind a strong running game. On a third down in the red zone, it appeared the drive had stalled and the Horns would have to settle for a field goal. However, a costly Kentucky penalty gave the Horns a fresh set of downs. On the very next play, Texas was in the end zone on a Jaydon Blue touchdown, extending their lead to 14-7.

change of possession

Texas got a quick turnover on the next Kentucky possession with Jelani McDonald stepping in front of the Vangagriff pass, and giving Texas the ball in scoring position.

change of possession

Texas ws able to turn that interception into points, with Ewers hitting Helm for a touchdown, extending their lead to 21-7.

change of possession

Texas stopped the next Kentucky drive in its tracks and forced a punt. They get the ball back with less than two minutes to go in the half.

change of possession

Texas was able to capitalize on the stop, getting in position for a field goal. Bert Auburn knocked it through, giving Texas a 24-7 lead just before the half.

change of possession

HALFTIME

THIRD QUARTER

Kentucky backup quarterback Cutter Boley stepped in for Brock Vandagriff. After getting sacked by Trey Moore, he connected with Ja'Mori Maclin for a 38-yard gain but the drive eventually stalled thanks to a holding penalty.

The Wildcats had a chance to make it a one-score game but punted despite getting to the Texas 43-yard line.

The Longhorns were backed up on their own six-yard line on the ensuing punt and went three-and-out.

change of possession

Wilcox continued to spark the Kentucky offense with two 11-yard runs to set up a 4th and 1 at the Texas 24-yard line but the Longhorns came up with a key stop to force a turnover on downs. 

change of possession

FUMBLE RECOVERY, KENTUCKY

Texas running back Jaydon Blue fumbled and gave the ball right back to Kentucky. 

change of possession

Anthony Hill Jr. sacked Boley and 3rd and goal and the Wilcats proceeded to miss the 33-yard field goal.

TOUCHDOWN KENTUCKY

After Jerrick Gibson's fumble was recovered, Ewers was sacked two plays later and fumbled as well, which Kentucky recovered for a 25-yard touchdown.

Texas 24, Kentucky 14

change of possession

FOURTH QUARTER

Texas appeared to be in position to answer with a score but more fumbling issues and a missed 47-yard field goal from Bert Auburn kept the lead at 10 to begin the fourth quarter.

change of possession

The Wildcats had a chance to make it a one-score game but punted despite getting to the Texas 43-yard line.

change of possession

TOUCHDOWN TEXAS

Wisner capped off a game-sealing drive that featured 15 straight runs with a one-yard touchdown.

Texas 31, Kentucky 14

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