Texas vs. Kansas State score, takeaways: No. 7 Longhorns survive rally to edge No. 23 Wildcats in overtime

The Longhorns watched a 24-7 lead disappear in the second half before holding on for the win

No. 7 Texas survived a late upset attempt from No. 23 Kansas State for a 33-30 overtime win. The Wildcats opted to go for a touchdown on fourth down from the 4-yard line, but the ball ultimately fell incomplete as Texas maintained its College Football Playoff hopes. 

Kansas State stormed back from a 24-7 deficit to tie the game at 27 in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats whiffed on a field goal that would have tied the game earlier in the quarter, but kicker Chris Tennant nailed a 45-yard field goal in the remaining moments of regulation to force overtime in Austin, Texas. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman decided to take the late chance for the win in overtime, but it did not pay off. 

Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy started 7 of 9 for 162 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter but unraveled down the stretch. Murphy completed just 12 of his next 28 passes for fewer than 3.3 yards per attempt and threw two picks. In overtime, Texas put the ball in Murphy's hands twice, but he was unable to convert for a score. 

With the win, Texas stays in control of its Big 12 and College Football Playoff destiny at 8-1. The Wildcats now have a tough road ahead to get back into the conversation. 

• Kansas State quarterback Will Howard threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, with most coming after he threw a second half interception. 
• The Wildcats sold out to stop the run, but Texas managed to rush for 230 yards, including 112 yards from Jonathon Brooks. 
• Kansas State ran for just 33 yards on 29 carries as the Wildcats' offensive line failed to keep pace with a physical Texas defense. 

CBS Sports was with you throughout the game bringing you live updates and highlights. Read on below for takeaways as the Longhorns picked up a key win over the Wildcats. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 4:09 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas takes control of Big 12

Heading into Week 10, five different teams were tied at 4-1 in Big 12 play: Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Iowa State. The tight standings made Saturday a must-win for both of these teams to keep their Big 12 Championship Game hopes alive. The Longhorns finished far closer than anyone in burnt orange hoped, but the win is still enough to sit in a favorable position down the stretch. 

When the dust settles today, at least two of the 4-1 teams will drop with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State vying in the midday slate. Sitting as one of three one-loss teams is enough to put Texas in pole position for the conference crown, right where it was projected. For Kansas State, the path may be insurmountable after losing a second Big 12 game; the Wildcats have losing tiebreakers against Texas and Oklahoma State. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 4:13 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

K-State's special teams woes stand apart

The Wildcats had an opportunity to win the game in regulation. After scoring a third straight passing touchdown, Kansas State needed just an extra point to take a 28-27 lead. A whiffed snap cost Kansas State a precious point. Later, a red zone field goal attempt from kicker Chris Tennant hooked left. He managed to get the field goal back late in the fourth quarter after Texas went three-and-out with a chance to ice the game, but Kansas State opted to lean on the passing game over special teams in overtime. Championship teams are made in the details, and the massive special teams advantage that Texas posted -- made field goals, returns and coverage -- ultimately proved to be the difference. It was a very un-Kansas State like way to lose a football game. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 4:09 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Murphy isn't ready

Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy has been thrust into action in the wake of the injury to Quinn Ewers two weeks ago. In his first big game, Murphy showed all the hallmarks of being a freshman with very little experience under his belt. Murphy came into the game with just 33 career pass attempts, and he struggled with the different pressures and looks that a solid K-State defense presented. The talent is obvious, but his limited snaps -- dating back to an injury during his senior year of high school -- stands out. 

The Longhorns managed to move to 2-0 without Ewers in the lineup, but this Texas offense has looked notably less potent. Murphy's mistakes played a significant part of keeping Kansas State in the game after the blazing start. Texas does not have the ability to compete nationally with Ewers out of the lineup. While some may clamor for superstar freshman Arch Manning, the lack of experience is really what stands apart; Manning doesn't fix that issue. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 3:48 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas settles for FG

OT: Texas 33, Kansas State 30

The Longhorns put the ball in Maalik Murphy's hands twice, and he failed to connect with his receivers. Kansas State is going for the win now in the bottom of the first overtime. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 3:39 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Tennant forces overtime

End 4Q: Texas 30, Kansas State 30

Kansas State forced a punt with nearly two minutes remaining and calmly went down the field to tie the game behind a 45-yard field goal from Chris Tennant. Tennant got redemption after missing a field goal within the red zone one drive earlier and now sets up a pivotal finish for both of these programs as their Big 12 title hopes are on the line. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 3:32 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

One last shot

Texas had the ball with a chance to ice the game, but failed to reach the first down line. Instead, Kansas State now gets one last drive with nearly two minutes left to try and get into field goal range. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 3:18 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Kansas State driving

The Wildcats faced a critical third down situation, but an unnecessary roughness flag against cornerback Ryan Watts helped set up a first down. Over the next three plays, KSU quarterback Will Howard completed three passes for 50 yards to get the Wildcats deep into Texas territory with a chance to take control of the game. KSU has a major opportunity at the Texas 34-yard line. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 3:12 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Red zone woes show up

4Q: Texas 30, Kansas State 27

Texas converted a key fourth down, but proved unable to reach the end zone once again in the red zone, the second time in three red zone trips that the Longhorns had to settle for a field goal. The Longhorns threw a pair of incompletions on second and third down before setting up the 34-yard field goal from Bert Auburn. Kansas State now has an opportunity to tie the game or take the lead late in the fourth quarter. 

[Nov 4, 2023 at 2:59 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

'Cats are back

4Q: Kansas State 28, Texas 27

The Wildcats have suddenly turned a three-score deficit into a football game. After scoring a 12-yard touchdown from Will Howard, Kansas State forced a fumble on star Texas running back Jonathon Brooks and was recovered deep in Texas territory. One play later, Howard hit another 32-yard bomb to Jace Brown for a 32-yard touchdown to tie the game at 27-27. The Wildcats have not beaten Texas since 2015, but have a chance to pull a major upset in Austin.