Special teams let Texas down against Tennessee
Texas escaped with a 20-17 win over Tennessee, but the dramatics of the game underscored weaknesses in the third phase. The unit coaching by Jeff Banks has nudged up a few slots in the SP+ rankings, yet inconsistent results in the non-conference slate kept the questions alive—especially when a major punt-return score swung momentum for the Volunteers late in the third quarter.
Kickoff coverage and execution drew scrutiny. A veteran return man had been a steady producer this season, but his latest outings showed a drop in touchbacks and a costly miscue that let Tennessee start with favorable field position at a critical moment. Late in the game, a kickoff that sailed out of bounds erased any remaining cushion Texas had built, placing the Vols near midfield and removing the chance to salt the clock away.
Defensively, the Horns answered when they needed to, forcing a turnover on downs that kept the lead intact. The takeaway was that the situation demanded cleaner technique and a steadier rhythm on special teams—issues that can flip games when margins are thin. Wind conditions were not a factor, which magnified the responsibility on technique and coordination rather than weather.
The most damaging sequence came on the punt unit. Tennessee plugged away with a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown, the first time Texas had surrendered a return score since 2013. The return exposed gaps in the coverage, with the initial blockers failing to seal off the returner and the pursuing players lacking the needed speed and alignment to bring him down in the open. It wasn’t just one man’s fault; it was a collective breakdown that highlighted the need for better tackling angles and more discipline in pursuit lanes.
Texas has stressed the return game in practice, but execution didn’t match the plan. A call for directional punts to corral returns collided with a misplayed sequence that ended with suboptimal field position instead of the intended placement. The staff made it clear that the emphasis on covering punts remains, even as they acknowledge that the execution fell short on this occasion.
Block attempts—whether on punts or field goals—have been part of the program’s improvement plan, but the season has yet to feature a blocked kick. The coaching staff reaffirmed that this remains a priority and that the work will continue as the team looks to add an element of danger to the unit’s repertoire. The emphasis is on developing more options to disrupt the opponent’s operation without leaving gaps in coverage.
Beyond the Xs and Os, there is a call for greater depth across special teams. With several defenders and playmakers logging extensive snaps on defense, the team needs additional contributors to shoulder some of the load on punt coverage, punt return, and kickoff duties. The idea is simple: broaden the rotation so star players can stay fresh on defense while younger or less-experienced teammates gain reps in critical third-phase roles. The bye week is seen as the perfect window to cultivate that depth and to identify who can step in when the heat is on.
Overall, the result reinforces a familiar theme: Texas has the requisite talent to win, but the margin for error is slim, and special-teams consistency will be a determining factor in upcoming games. By tightening technique, expanding the rotation, and executing the game plan with precision, the Horns can convert these moments into a reliable edge rather than a vulnerability.
