The Texas Longhorns have kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive with some Matrix-like navigation of tough road matchups the past 2 weeks. Without the services of Ryan Niblett, their season would probably be over.
Niblett had 2 40-plus yard punt returns against the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 8. He somehow topped that effort versus Mississippi State with a 79-yard punt return touchdown. Niblett broke multiple tackles before sprinting down the sideline for the game-tying score in Starkville. In the process, he reached a speed of 19.9 miles per hour, good for a tie for the ninth-fastest run of Week 9.
Michigan running back Jordan Marshall tied Niblett on his 56-yard touchdown run late in the Wolverines’ win over Michigan State.
Texas (6-2, 3-1 SEC) seemed destined to miss the CFP after falling to 29-21 to Florida in Week 6. Since then, the Longhorns have beaten Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry and both Kentucky and Mississippi State on the road. ESPN’s Football Power Index now gives Texas the 12th-highest odds (41.4%) of reaching the CFP.
The Longhorns got through their potential land mines, but still have a tough road ahead. They face 3 top 10 teams — and Arkansas — to end the season. The first of those ranked foes is No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday. Kickoff versus the Commodores is set for noon ET on ABC.
