Watson Returns Fumble 61 Yards for Touchdown
The 333-pound junior broke through a stagnant first half to give Texas a 17-0 lead over Mississippi State.
By Robert Herrera ·
Maraad Watson, a 333-pound nose tackle for the Texas Longhorns, scored a 61-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery against Mississippi State on Saturday. The play occurred with 1:13 remaining in the first half at the University of Texas stadium.
Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles sacked Mississippi State quarterback AJ Swann, forcing the ball loose. Watson secured the loose ball and sprinted down the right sideline into the end zone. Teammates followed him to the pylon to celebrate the score.
The touchdown gave the Longhorns a 17-0 halftime lead. The score ended a slow start for Texas, which managed only three points and 44 yards of offense on its four possessions following an opening-drive touchdown.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning played the second half with a wrapped and bloody hand. Star wide receiver Cam Coleman left the game for the locker room due to an undisclosed injury and did not return to the field.
Watson, a 20-year-old transfer from Syracuse, entered the game with 19 career appearances. He had recorded 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble but had never scored a touchdown before Saturday.
AJ Swann was injured on the fumble play and entered the medical tent. Mississippi State redshirt freshman Billy Puckett replaced him at quarterback for the second half.
Source: Austin American-Statesman
