The big game against the Tigers drawing closer, Coach Taylor must decide between Matt and the self-assured recruit Ray "Voodoo" Tatum for the starting quarterback. The feelings between Tim and Lyla grow stronger. Jason's newly-found motivation strives him to begin the rehab.

Due to racial comments from Coach Mac, the black players on the team refuse to play unless he is sacked.Julie is sucked deeper into the vortex as her friendship with Tyra develops. Matt tries to win Julie back.

The rumors about Coach Taylor leaving the team at the end of the season get a boost when an inside source decides to speak up.

Meanwhile, the Panthers are preparing themselves for the state championship.

Coach Taylor returns to Dillon, but it is not an easy homecoming; the team must deal with conflict between Saracen and Smash; Riggins turns to Lyla for help in changing Street's mind about surgery.

Brian "Smash" Williams takes heat from the major colleges that want a verbal commitment to their program. Meanwhile tension is still high between Coach Taylor and Tim Riggins regarding the situation with Julie. Tim doesn't know where to turn. And all eyes are on Coach Taylor as he prepares the Panthers to play Laribee High School in the season's biggest game.

Coach worries and fears for his job as Tami befriends Katie McCoy. The pressure is on Matt as everyone's hopes turn to the new quarterback. Matt's friendly with Julie. Billy drags Tim into a risky scheme to get them out of debt. Lyla cautions Tim.

Tyra is desperate and once again turns to Landry. Coach and Tami learn of a change that could dismantle the Panthers team. Tim sees another side of Lyla. Matt flips out when Grandma suffers an accident. Tensions escalate between JD and Joe.

Coach betrays Tami's trust over a financial decision. tensions between Vince and Luke threaten the team's chances on the field. Tim helps Coach condition his players. Julie doesn't want to go to church.

Coach talks tough to shady characters when trying to clean up a park ridden with drugs and gang violence. Becky discovers she's pregnant. Jess's relationship with Landry is heating up. Julie makes a new friend.

Someone from Vince's past resurfaces. Julie connects with a faculty member. Eric tries to instill discipline in the team. Buddy is troubled after learning something about his son.