Texas nose tackle scores on 61-yard fumble return

Maraad Watson scored a 61-yard touchdown for Texas late in the second quarter against Mississippi State. The 333-pound nose tackle recovered a fumble and sprinted down the right sideline into the end zone.

The play came after Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles sacked Mississippi State quarterback AJ Swann. Watson picked up the ball and was joined by several teammates as he ran the distance. The touchdown gave Texas a 17-0 lead at halftime.

The score ended a difficult first half for the Longhorns. They opened the game with a touchdown but managed only three points and 44 yards on their next four drives. Quarterback Arch Manning played with a wrapped and bloody hand. Star wide receiver Cam Coleman left the field for an undisclosed injury and did not return.

Watson, 20, is a transfer from Syracuse. He entered the game with 4.5 career sacks, one forced fumble, and no touchdowns in 19 games. Swann appeared injured on the hit and went to the medical tent.

Mississippi State redshirt freshman Billy Puckett replaced Swann for the second half. The Bulldogs will face a Texas team that now holds a double-digit advantage.