Brent Smiga

Questions and answers emerge in the wake of Kevin's desperate decision to vanquish Patti.

The Panthers are preparing yet again for another game they can't afford to lose. Jason still finds it difficult to adjust to life at home, and the feelings he still has for Lyla don't make it any easier. Meanwhile, at what couldn't seem like a better time, Matt's dad comes home from Iraq, but the homecoming is not what Matt expected. To make situations even more complicated, UT has taken an interest in Coach Taylor, whose popularity has continued to grow, and Smash becomes more and more dependent on unnatural substances to keep up with the competition. With all the drama off the field mounting, the players work even harder to get a victory.

Bye Week -- The future of the Panthers' season is out of their hands as they eagerly wait for the result of a game between two opponents that will ultimately determine their fate. Emotions intensify as the Street family carries on with their lawsuit against Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler). Meanwhile, Matt's father tries to adjust to life back home after war, but Matt (Zach Gilford) realizes his father's homecoming is not the saving grace he thought it would be. At home, Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) is fed up with her mother's abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Even though there is no game, everything off the field is anything but a vacation.

In lieu of all the troubles off the field lately, everyone is working extra hard to get their mind back into game mode. Smash's mom (guest star Liz Mikel) discovers something in Smash's (Gaius Charles) room that can potentially destroy his dreams of playing football. Tyra (Adrianne Palicki), fed up with her mother's insecurities, decides to take matters into her own hands to get their life back on track. Meanwhile, Jason (Scott Porter) rethinks the seriousness of his relationship with Lyla (Minka Kelly) after Bud (Brad Leland) sets her up on a date. It all builds up to an ending that will determine the fate of the Panthers season, and a decision that will determine the fate of two lives. Taylor Kitsch, Jesse Plemons, Zach Gilford, Connie Britton, and Aimee Teegarden also star.

In the season finale, the charity gala takes a somber turn as everyone honors the memory of a loved one. Dan (recurring guest star TYLER CHRISTOPHER) issues Ethan an ultimatum that has heartbreaking consequences. Emma finally confronts Rebecca about her lost childhood. Ted tries to find the right way to tell Kristin about another secret from his past. Meanwhile, an unexpected twist brings the fundraiser to a crashing halt.