In the town of Dillon, Texas, football is life and pressure mounts as the Dillon Panthers enter pre-season surrounded by a swirl of press, recruiters, and State Championship sized expectations.

The second-string quarterback finds himself in the spotlight in the wake of Jason Street's serious injury; as game day approaches, the team appears united, pledging to win the game for a teammate.

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.

Coach Taylor must find a way to bring the team together against its biggest rival; Jason Street's new roommate at the rehab center makes him realize his recovery potential.

Fearing job insecurity, coach Taylor must choose between starting the eager second-string quarterback or new recruit Ray Tatum (Aldis Hodge); Tim and Lyla's relationship heats up.

The possibility of last week's win being overturned due to Ray Tatum's recruitment frustrates the Panthers; police interrupt a practice with an arrest warrant for a star defensive tackle, who viciously assaulted another student.