333-Pound Texas Nose Tackle Scores 61-Yard Fumble Return Against Mississippi State

Maraad Watson, a 333-pound nose tackle, covered 61 yards for a touchdown on Saturday. The junior’s sprint gave the Texas Longhorns a 17-0 lead over Mississippi State at halftime.

The play began with a sack of Mississippi State quarterback AJ Swann by Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles. Watson recovered the loose ball and ran down the right sideline into the end zone with 1:13 remaining in the first half. Several Texas teammates ran alongside him during the return.

The score ended a difficult stretch for the Longhorns offense. After scoring on their opening drive, the team managed only three points and 44 yards over their next four possessions. Quarterback Arch Manning played with a bloody hand wrapped on the sideline. Wide receiver Cam Coleman left the game and did not return due to an undisclosed injury.

Watson, 20, transferred to Texas from Syracuse. Before Saturday’s game, he had 19 career games under his belt. His statistics prior to this touchdown included 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and no scores.

The impact of the hit left Swann in the medical tent. Billy Puckett, a redshirt freshman, entered the game to play quarterback for Mississippi State in the second half.