Merrilee McCommas

We will all be tested - In the town of Dillon, Texas, football is life, and no one knows that better than new head Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler). Pressure mounts as the Dillon Panthers, led by star quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter), enter pre-season surrounded by a swirl of press, recruiters, and State Championship sized expectations. Backup quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) prepares to ride the bench in the shadow of Jason Street, as running back Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) struggles with a serious vice. As the season opener grows near, the town of Dillon is focused on what they believe to be most important, winning.

Through faith and courage, tragedy turns to healing - In the wake of star quarterback Jason Street's serious injury, the town of Dillon turns to prayer. Pressure mounts for Coach Taylor and the team as second-string quarterback Matt Saracen is unwittingly thrust into the spotlight, while tensions build between Riggins and "Smash" Williams. Fearing not only for his players, but also his job, Coach Taylor pulls the team together and works one-on-one with the nervous rookie quarterback. Lyla faithfully stands by her man in the hospital, providing him with the courage he needs to recover. The team appears united as game day approaches -- pledging to win it for their fallen comrade. Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons and Aimee Teegarden also star.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose - After a difficult loss to the underdog Milbank Rattlers, the town of Dillon has turned on Coach Taylor. School officials point fingers, parents argue, and team morale is at an all time low. As injured quarterback Jason Street begins rehab, emotion and frustration culminate in a fight, thrusting Lyla into the arms of another. Meanwhile, seedy back room deals begin to recruit a new quarterback, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum. Seeing the team falling apart before him, Coach Taylor knows that drastic measures must be taken to save not just his season, but his job as well. Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons and Aimee Teegarden also star.

Fourth quarter belongs to us -- With the Arnett Mead game just days away, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum (guest star Aldis Hodge) proves he may not be the leader the team needs as he clashes with stressed out Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and fellow players alike. Meanwhile, Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly) hates herself even more as her secret relationship with Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) continues. Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) reveals her sensitive side when she falls for Connor Hayes (guest star Patrick J. Adams), a young businessman from Los Angeles. First-string quarterback, Jason Street (Scott Porter), shows signs of renewed life when his new roommate Herc (guest star Steve Rankin), an ex-Olympian quadriplegic, introduces him to a quad-rugby game called "Murderball." Emotions run high as Riggins and Jason reunite for the first time since the accident when the entire Panther team visits him at rehab on their way to the big game. With backup Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) on the bench and Voodoo leading the team, Coach Taylor worries that he and his family could be packing their bags with a loss tonight to Arnett Mead.

The attention is focused off the football team for once and onto their biggest supporters -- the cheerleaders. As the cheer team prepares for the Championship Classic, word of Lyla (Minka Kelly) and Riggins' (Taylor Kitsch) affair causes Lyla to become the victim of brutal high school harassment. Matt (Zach Gilford) and Julie (Aimee Teegarden) also have problems of their own as Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) tries to keep the two of them apart in order to "protect" his daughter. Meanwhile, Jason (Scott Porter) adjusts to life back home after being released from rehab and Smash (Gaius Charles) falls for the preacher's daughter.