Robert Parish

Noose tightens around Coach Taylor during by-week - Facing the Panthers' biggest rival, Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) must find a way to bring the team together while his family falls apart. "Smash" Williams (Gaius Charles) and Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) unite to plot their revenge against the Tigers for the destruction of their field house. At the rehab center, Jason Street (Scott Porter) has given up hope until his new roommate shockingly forces him to realize his potential for recovery. While disrespectful new quarterback, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum (Aldis Hodge), proves he is unstoppable on the field, rookie Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) appears to have hit rock bottom. With his back in the corner and the town against him, Coach Taylor has an opportunity to save his job, but only with a W in one week against the Tigers.

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.

To good friends and Texas forever -- The Dillon Panthers are frustrated facing the possibility of last week's key win over Arnett Mead being overturned due to Ray Tatum's recruitment (guest star Aldis Hodge). Police interrupt a sluggish practice with an arrest warrant for star defensive tackle Bobby Reyes (Walter Perez) after he viciously assaults another student outside of the sandwich shop. The Texas High School athletic administration summons Buddy Garrity (Brad Leland) and an uncomfortable Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) for further questioning before their final ruling. Meanwhile, Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) and Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly) break injured Jason Street (Scott Porter) out of his rehab room, taking him on a surprise trip to the lake just like old times. When Coach Taylor and wife Tami (Connie Britton) butt heads about Bobby Reyes' punishment, Coach Taylor wonders if he can do his job without giving up everything he believes in and hurting those he holds close.

While Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) and the team celebrate their victory, a frustrated Brian 'Smash' Williams (Gaius Charles) takes drastic measures to improve his performance on the field. Coach Taylor's (Kyle Chandler) daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) considers going on a date with rookie quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford), meanwhile Saracen trains 'Smash' at his new job at the Alamo Freeze. After dinner with Coach Taylor and his wife Tami (Connie Britton), Riggins and his brother clash in a heated fight. Riggins and Lyla (Minka Kelly) watch from the stands as Jason (Scott Porter) takes part in his first quad rugby game, one that will end with a vicious confrontation between him, the woman he loves, and his best friend in the world.

Growing pains -- Emotions intensify as the game against the intimidating Gatling High nears. Lyla and Tim become alienated from their friends as rumors about their relationship spread all over town. Smash continues to buckle to the pressure and puts his own health at risk in his attempt to improve his performance on the field. Meanwhile, Julie and Matt have their first date, but everything that can go wrong does. The pressure builds as Friday approaches, and the Dillon Panthers have to get a victory without falling apart.