Texas football making connections across the board during Longhorns' bye week

Even though the Texas football team was on a bye, the Longhorns didn't slow down as they enjoyed their Saturday away from the game.

As Steve Sarkisian and his staff worked on fixing the Horns' issues during practice, Saturday was, quite literally, for the boys. From NBA games to testing the water at other sports, Texas football stars were seen all across Austin, and even all across Texas throughout the off week.

Veteran defensive back Michael Taaffe made an appearance at a Texas men's ice hockey practice and even received a new version of his own jersey, making his place on the other Longhorn roster semi-official.

Then, he went on to do the ceremonial puck drop as Texas faced their rivals, the Texas A&M Aggies.

Texas football makes an appearance in the NBA

Quarterback Arch Manning, wide receiver Parker Livingstone, and a handful of other football stars made the two-hour trip south to San Anantonio to catch the Spurs in action against the Houston Rockets.

Of course, legendary Longhorn basketball player Kevin Durant returned to Texas when he was traded to the Rockets during the offseason. After the game, Manning and Durant made sure their connection was solidified, and the young QB got to link up with one of the league's MVP frontrunners.

Of course, after a week filled with non-football activities, the Longhorns will have to return their focus to the game they love most: football.

After the bye week, No. 11 Texas has to take a trip to Athens to face the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs in a game that could make or break their chances at a third consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoffs.

As the Horns enjoyed the bye week, the UGA Bulldogs bulldozed the Mississippi State Bulldogs, securing a 41-21 victory. In Week 12, Texas and Georgia were scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 15, and the game would be broadcast on ABC.