Longhorns Country

Texas Longhorns Gash Arizona State With 75-Yard Punt Return TD

Texas Longhorns receiver Silas Bolden showed off his speed on a punt return touchdown in the Peach Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Zach Dimmitt|
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Silas Bolden (11) makes a catch agaistn Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Silas Bolden (11) makes a catch agaistn Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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Texas LonghornsArizona State Sun Devils

The Texas Longhorns showed little hesitation in the opening minutes of Wednesday's College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Peach Bowl.

After a two-play, 77-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-3 lead, the Longhorns forced a quick three-and-out and an ASU punt.

The first punt for Arizona State resulted in a penalty against Texas, but it was a tale of two kicks on the second drive. On the Sun Devils' second punt, Longhorns receiver Silas Bolden delivered one of the highlights of the season, returning the punt 75 yards back for a touchdown.

Take a look:

Bolden has been the primary punt returner all season but has yet to have a touchdown return. Headed into the Peach Bowl, he had returned 26 punts for 219 yards this season. The Oregon State transfer had a punt return touchdown last season with the Beavers.

Silas Bolde
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Silas Bolden (11) celebrate a touchdown in the third quarter during the Red River Rivalry Football Game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX Saturday, Oct 12, 2024. | Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bolden hasn't seen heavy usage on offense this season but he's made big-time plays at crucial moments. He's posted 22 catches for 243 yards and one touchdown this season along with a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the win over Oklahoma.

Headed into the season, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had big-time praise for Bolden.

"He's fearless," Sarkisian said. "He's not afraid to do any of the dirty work. He runs all of the route tree. He plays tough. He plays hard. But he also uses his strengths to his ability. He's cat quick. He's fast in the open field. He trusts his speed. He's elusive."

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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