Colin Simmons sets Texas sack record amid controversial penalty

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons delivered a record-breaking performance during a 20-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. Following a statistical correction, Simmons was credited with 5.5 sacks, setting a new single-game program record for Texas and tying the SEC single-game record.

Despite his dominant play, Simmons drew criticism and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a celebration in which he mimicked urinating on the field. The 15-yard penalty resulted in an automatic first down for Tennessee. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the incident, stating that such behavior is “unacceptable” and emphasizing the need for the team to avoid demeaning opponents.

Simmons' performance earned him national player of the week honors from the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Walter Camp Award. His defensive unit, led by coordinator Will Muschamp, pressured Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon on 23 of 49 drop-backs.