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Texas records historic defensive first half in 38-7 win against SJSU

by: Evan Vieth09/06/25
Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau
Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

The Texas Longhorns haven’t recorded a four-takeaway game since 2021. Today, it took just nine SJSU drives and under two quarters of game time to reach that mark for the first time in four seasons.

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The Longhorns’ defense is heralded as one of the best in the nation, and they’re showing why today. While opponents San Jose State are far from the toughest competition in the nation, Texas has taken the ball away at an impressive rate, intercepting SJSU QB Walker Eget once and knocking the ball out three times on forced fumbles. The turnovers were a catalyst in lifting Texas to a 38-7 victory.

With Texas up just a single touchdown, CB Jaylon Guilbeau recorded the first turnover of the season, making a nice play on a ball that floated in the air to intercept the errant pass. Texcalibur made its first appearance of the season as Texas turned the turnover into points five plays later.

It took San Jose just five plays to record two more turnovers. First, it was Ty’Anthony Smith knocking the ball out on a 2nd and 2 rush, forcing the turnover and leading to a one-play touchdown on offense.

Three plays later, Smith and Anthony Hill combined to force the ball out at the line of scrimmage, with fellow LB Trey Moore returning the ball all the way back to SJSU’s one-yard line. Texas would score a few plays later. It was a monstrous first half for the Texas linebacker core, with the group (including Liona Lefau) combining for 10 tackles and three forced fumbles. Smith had his best half as a Longhorn.

In a matter of a few minutes, Texas had gone from up seven to up 28 thanks to the big plays from the defense.

The last turnover once again came at the hands of Hill, who reached around and punched at the ball after a reception in Texas territory. The punch landed, perhaps not on the ball but on the receiver, but the ball came out just the same. Hill showed his NFL-level strength and knack for finding the ball in the half, with the violence of his game coming into fruition on that play.

Texas had made it clear last Saturday that the lack of turnovers was unacceptable. It was a key point that defensive leaders Hill and Ethan Burke made. After today, the unit has to be happier with where that part of their game stands.

The Longhorns would surrender a touchdown in the middle of the second quarter, but that would be all SJSU would get through four quarters. The Longhorns ended the game having given up 273 yards on under four yards per play and, of course, four takeaways.

Texas jumps to 1-1 and will host UTEP next Saturday at 3:15 p.m. Central time.

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