The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
5-6
Florida Atlantic
4-6
Texas defeats Florida Atlantic 51-17
11.20.2010 | Football
Nov. 20, 2010
Box Score | Quotes | Notes | 
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Garrett Gilbert threw two long touchdown passes and Emmanuel Acho had a 57-yard interception return for a score as Texas defeated Florida Atlantic, 51-17 on Saturday.
Gilbert threw to James Kirkendoll for a 63-yard TD early in the second quarter and connected with Malcolm Williams for a 47-yarder on the final play of the first half. Williams outjumped four Owls defenders to catch the ball in the end zone.
Acho's interception on the first play of the fourth quarter put Texas ahead 37-17.
Texas (5-6) can become bowl eligible by beating No. 18 Texas A&M on Thanksgiving night.
Texas had a season-high point total, more than doubling their average of 22. Kirkendoll's touchdown catch was the team's longest scoring play of the season.
Gilbert finished with 263 yards passing. Cody Johnson rushed for a career-high 124 yards and a TD, his third career 100-yard game.
Blake Gideon's first quarter interception on FAU's first drive of the game gave Texas the ball on the FAU 9, and Johnson scored on fourth-and-1 for a 7-0 lead.
The Owls struck back when quarterback Jeff Van Camp found Housler down the middle of the field for a 56-yard touchdown pass.
Four plays into the second quarter, Florida Atlantic kicker Ross Gornall's field goal attempt was blocked by Kheeston Randall. Gilbert then connected with Kirkendoll for a 14-7 Texas lead.
Gilbert and Williams teamed up for the highlight play of the Longhorns' 2010 season.
Texas had the ball with four seconds left in the half. The Longhorns sent three receivers into the end zone and Gilbert launched a high pass that the 6-foot-3 Williams snared to make it 24-7.
Texas' Justin Tucker kicked two field goals and Housler hauled in his second touchdown catch for the Owls in the third quarter before Acho's play to start the fourth broke the game open.
Van Camp was under pressure when he floated a soft pass toward the sideline. Acho grabbed it and had a clear path to a touchdown and 57 yards later Texas led 37-17.
Acho's INT was his first of the season. Acho's brother, Sam, had three sacks to bring his season total to 23.5.
Team Stats
FAU 0, UT 7
UT - Johnson, Cody 1 yd run (Tucker, Justin kick), 4 plays, 9 yards, TOP 1:58
FAU 7, UT 7
FAU - Housler, Rob 56 yd pass from VanCamp, Jeff (Gornall, Ross kick) 6 plays, 73 yards, TOP 2:58
FAU 7, UT 14
UT - Kirkendoll, Jam 63 yd pass from Gilbert, Garret (Tucker, Justin kick) 1 plays, 67 yards, TOP 0:08
FAU 7, UT 17
UT - Tucker, Justin 22 yd field goal 11 plays, 61 yards, TOP 4:53
FAU 7, UT 24
UT - Williams, Malco 47 yd pass from Gilbert, Garret (Tucker, Justin kick) 5 plays, 82 yards, TOP 0:34
FAU 14, UT 24
FAU - Housler, Rob 8 yd pass from VanCamp, Jeff (Gornall, Ross kick) 5 plays, 80 yards, TOP 2:02
FAU 14, UT 27
UT - Tucker, Justin 43 yd field goal 8 plays, 45 yards, TOP 3:27
FAU 17, UT 27
FAU - Gornall, Ross 41 yd field goal 11 plays, 56 yards, TOP 4:54
FAU 17, UT 30
UT - Tucker, Justin 49 yd field goal 9 plays, 35 yards, TOP 3:46
FAU 17, UT 37
UT - Acho, Emmanuel 57 yd interception (Tucker, Justin kick)
FAU 17, UT 44
UT - Gilbert, Garret 1 yd run (Tucker, Justin kick), 9 plays, 41 yards, TOP 4:31
FAU 17, UT 51
UT - Roberson, Ryan 10 yd run (Summerville, M. kick), 6 plays, 47 yards, TOP 2:49
