Texas without key defender Michael Taaffe vs. Vanderbilt

No. 20 Texas will be without starting safety Michael Taaffe when it hosts No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday.

The Longhorns’ third-leading tackler was listed as out on the SEC’s final player availability report. He underwent thumb surgery on Oct. 20 and is expected to return after Texas’ bye in Week 11, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said the team hopes Taaffe will be back for the Nov. 15 matchup against No. 5 Georgia.

Taaffe has been a key piece of the Texas defense, totaling 51 tackles, along with an interception and a sack. His absence could test the Longhorns’ secondary against Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. He's been one of the nation’s most productive dual threats and is a key reason why the Commodores are in the top ten for the first time in 88 years. 

As expected, star safety Michael Taaffe is out for Texas today. pic.twitter.com/7qkdYOkILN

Texas (6-2) enters the game needing a win to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race after surviving back-to-back overtime thrillers.

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