When the Texas Longhorns faced off against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Week 13, fans were expecting a hard-fought battle between two storied programs. What they got instead was a Texas clinic in dominance, as the Longhorns imposed their will in every phase of the game to secure a resounding victory. From suffocating defense to relentless offensive execution, Texas crushed Arkansas, leaving no doubt about their championship aspirations.
The term “anaconda squeeze” perfectly encapsulates Texas’s strategy on Saturday. Like the predatory snake, the Longhorns wrapped around the Razorbacks early and gradually tightened their grip, leaving Arkansas with no room to breathe. By the time the final whistle blew, Texas had thoroughly outclassed their opponents, reducing the once-feisty Razorbacks to mere shadows of their potential.
From the outset, Texas set the tone with a ferocious defense that seemed intent on making life miserable for Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson. The Longhorns’ defensive line dominated the trenches, consistently pressuring Jefferson and stuffing the Razorbacks’ run game. Every attempt by Arkansas to establish momentum was met with a swarm of burnt orange jerseys, as Texas dictated the pace and physicality of the game.
The Longhorns’ defense was nothing short of suffocating. Led by standout linebacker Jaylan Ford and an aggressive secondary, Texas held Arkansas to a season-low in total yards. Razorbacks running back Rocket Sanders, a focal point of their offense, was held to just 27 yards on 12 carries, a testament to Texas’s disciplined gap control and relentless tackling.
The secondary was equally impressive, blanketing Arkansas receivers and forcing Jefferson into tough throws. The Razorbacks quarterback finished the game with a modest 145 passing yards and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by defensive back Terrance Brooks.
“Defense wins championships, and we played championship-level defense today,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said in his postgame press conference. “Our guys executed the game plan to perfection and never let up.”
While the defense choked out Arkansas, the Texas offense methodically dismantled the Razorbacks’ defense. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, fresh off a shoulder injury earlier in the season, looked sharper than ever, completing 24 of 31 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
Ewers showcased his chemistry with receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, who combined for over 150 yards and two scores. Worthy’s ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for Mitchell and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, who thrived in the intermediate passing game.
But the true star of the offense was running back Jonathon Brooks. The junior tailback carried the ball 22 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns, punishing Arkansas defenders with his blend of power and elusiveness. Brooks’s consistent success on the ground allowed Texas to dominate time of possession and wear down the Razorbacks’ defense.
“We knew if we could run the ball and control the clock, the game would tilt in our favor,” Brooks said. “The offensive line did an incredible job opening lanes, and I just trusted my reads.”
Even in special teams, Texas had the edge. Kicker Bert Auburn drilled three field goals, including a 47-yarder that put Texas up by three scores in the third quarter. Punter Ryan Sanborn pinned Arkansas deep in their territory multiple times, forcing the Razorbacks to navigate long fields against a relentless Texas defense.
For the Razorbacks, the loss was emblematic of a season filled with inconsistency and unmet expectations. Head coach Sam Pittman acknowledged postgame that his team was outmatched in every facet.
“They’re a great football team,” Pittman said of Texas. “They came ready to play, and we didn’t match their intensity. We’ve got to regroup and learn from this.”
Arkansas’s inability to generate offensive rhythm was glaring. Jefferson never looked comfortable in the pocket, and the Razorbacks’ play-calling failed to adapt to Texas’s aggressive approach.
For the Longhorns, this victory was about more than just beating an old rival; it was a statement to the College Football Playoff committee. Sitting at 10-1 and ranked just outside the top four heading into the weekend, Texas needed a dominant performance to bolster its case for a playoff berth. They delivered in spades.
“We’ve said all year that we belong in the playoff,” Sarkisian said. “This team is built to compete with anyone in the country, and tonight was another example of that.”
The win also showcased the depth and balance that has defined Texas’s season. With a defense capable of smothering opponents and an offense loaded with playmakers, the Longhorns look every bit the part of a championship contender.
As Texas heads into the Big 12 Championship Game, their focus remains on controlling their destiny. A win in the title game would all but guarantee a playoff spot, giving the Longhorns a chance to chase their first national championship since 2005.
For now, Texas fans can revel in the sight of their team dismantling a long-time rival with surgical precision. The Razorbacks came into the game hoping to pull off an upset, but the Longhorns had other plans—plans that involved squeezing the life out of Arkansas and grinding them into submission.
With performances like this, it’s clear that Texas is back, and they’re ready to make a run at college football’s ultimate prize.