Will Grier, No. 13 West Virginia Score Dramatic 42-41 Win over No. 17 Texas

The 13th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers took a key step toward an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game with a thrilling 42-41 victory Saturday over the No. 17 Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.

A 33-yard touchdown pass from Will Grier to Gary Jennings Jr. with 16 seconds left followed by a successful two-point conversion run by Grier gave the visitors the comeback win.

Gary Jennings with a 33-yard touchdown catch from Will Grier vs. Texas Longhorns

West Virginia improved to 7-1, including a 5-1 mark in conference play. It marked the second Top 25 road triumph of the campaign for WVU, which knocked off the Texas Tech Red Raiders in September.

Meanwhile, Texas recorded its second straight loss following last week's 38-35 defeat against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Longhorns had won six games in a row but are now 6-3 (4-2).

Will Grier Will Rise Up NFL Draft Boards After Terrific Outing

Grier not only led West Virginia to a critical comeback win over Texas, but he also showcased a skill set that looks ready to play on Sundays in the process.

The senior signal-caller connected on 28 of his 42 attempts for 346 yards and three touchdowns. That includes completions on all four of his throws during the team's seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive in the final three minutes to secure the victory.

David Sills with a 60-yard touchdown catch from Will Grier vs. Texas Longhorns

His ability to stand tall in the pocket in the face of pressure was on display all day. Most importantly, he delivered a perfectly thrown ball over the top of the Longhorns secondary to Jennings in the final seconds. The window to give his receiver a chance to make that play while staying in bounds was minuscule.

David Sills with a 18-yard touchdown catch from Will Grier vs. Texas Longhorns

NFL scouts were surely watching Grier's latest masterpiece. His success gives him a chance to skyrocket up draft boards in the coming months in a class without any standout QBs at this stage, especially if he can maintain this form for the rest of the season.

For now, however, Grier must focus on pushing WVU into the Big 12 title game with another marquee contest against the Sooners looming in the season finale at month's end.

Sam Ehlinger Should Enter Heisman Trophy Conversation

Ehlinger deserved to enter the national spotlight after his five-touchdown performance to lead Texas past the Oklahoma Sooners in early October. It didn't happen, however, and he still wasn't listed in the top 10 of ESPN's Heisman Watch heading into Week 10.

That needs to change despite the Longhorns' third loss.

The sophomore quarterback completed 25 of his 36 throws for 354 yards and three touchdowns. He added 52 rushing yards on 11 carries with another score on the ground.

Sam Ehlinger rushes for a 1-yard touchdown vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

He hasn't thrown an interception since the team's season-opening loss to Maryland, and his ability to make plays with his legs (nine rushing TDs) is creating nightmares for opposing defenses.

Devin Duvernay with a 48-yard touchdown catch from Sam Ehlinger vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Add in Texas' previous high-profile wins and another strong effort against a top-tier opponent Saturday, and there's no reason Ehlinger shouldn't receive at least some Heisman consideration.

He might not have enough time to surpass the likes of Tua Tagovailoa from the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Sooners' Kyler Murray, but he needs to land on the radar heading into the stretch run.

Both Defenses Must Improve to Capture Conference Title

Although Big 12 football isn't known for its defensive battles, there were times in Saturday's game when each offense faced perhaps the least resistance you'll see in a Power Five game this season.

Seven straight possessions ended in touchdowns at one stretch during the first half (four for Texas and three for West Virginia). Only one of those drives lasted double-digit plays. So not only were both teams finding the end zone, but they were also doing it quite easily.

In all, the game featured a combined 83 points, 1,100 total yards and one turnover.

Pettaway Bursts for 55-Yard TD

To be fair, there were more stops in the second half. But there were three touchdowns in the final six minutes, and as a whole, there were still too many mistakes, both physical and mental, to completely trust either defensive unit moving forward.

Improvement is necessary if either West Virginia or Texas wants to reign supreme in the Big 12.

What's Next?

West Virginia will return home to Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium to face the TCU Horned Frogs next Saturday.

Texas will also be back on the field Saturday when it visits Texas Tech for the Chancellor's Spurs.