Senior linebacker Rasheem Biles had one hell of a night against Mississippi State.
In the defensive-led win, the transfer from the University of Pittsburgh finished with eight tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles, cementing himself as one of the best collegiate linebackers in the country.
But he was playing for something much more Saturday night.
In the postgame media availability, Biles revealed that his great-uncle passed away on Thursday at 97 years old. It was tough on Biles, who, alongside grieving a family member he was close to, played his first game of football without his mom in attendance. She stayed at home in Columbus, Ohio, to attend the funeral Saturday.
His late uncle made sure to put Biles’ games on the television every Saturday. Now, his family continues that as they navigate loss.
“I know that they are back home watching the game,” Biles said. “I know they smiling, so they not sad … It was good to have a night game. So after the funeral, they got something to do. They don’t have to just keep thinking about it.”
Before games, Biles’ mom always visits him at the hotel to say a prayer. On Saturday, she made sure to call and pray over him over the phone.
She also told him not to get caught up in anything else besides the task at hand, reminding him that he had only recorded one sack this season and it was time for him to “step it up.”
“I told her I got her,” he said.
And he did, as Biles turned out a career-high three sacks. The linebacker was all over the field, making quick work of both of Mississippi State’s quarterbacks while helping shut down the Bulldogs’ run game. Head coach Steve Sarkisian described it as a “pretty incredible performance.”
With junior edge Colin Simmons sidelined for the last couple of games, Biles has stepped up and helped elevate the defense.
Biles has worked with defensive coordinator Will Muschamp on some adjustments. Biles told Muschamp to let him loose, allowing him to lean on his style of play — covering the field, getting after the quarterback on blitzes and taking on more pass-rushing reps. His performances over the past couple of games are a manifestation of that.
Muschamp is letting him be a shark.
It’s clear that Biles had a good game from a statistical standpoint, but sometimes competitive spirit and discipline on the football field don’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet.
On the biggest play of the game, Biles’ strip sack led to a fumble recovery by junior defensive lineman Maraad Watson, who is listed at 333 pounds, and the big man scooped up the loose ball and ran it back for a touchdown.
After recording the sack and seeing the ball come loose, Biles didn’t dare celebrate. Instead, he immediately took off and blocked for Watson for the entire 61-yard return. Biles waited until they reached the end zone to celebrate with Watson, who said he looked back and could see nothing but burnt orange surrounding him.
Biles, alongside senior linebacker Justin Cryer, led that charge.
Biles was named a Butkus Award semifinalist, an honor given to the nation’s top college linebacker. While he said it’s great being named a semifinalist, his ultimate goal is to win the award. He recalled being on his recruiting visit and seeing the trophy on display, saying that’s what he came to Texas to get.
He knows if he continues putting together dominant performances, he can make that happen.
“I run these sacks up, keep getting these picks, it’s gonna be mine,” Biles said. “(I) went to go get a three-piece today, so it’s time to go get it, for sure.”
