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.

Matt (guest star Zach Gilford) deals with long-suppressed feelings about his father. Elsewhere, Vince (Michael B. Jordan) feels conflicted by the adulation he receives as a star football player and the criminal activity he engages in to support his family. Meanwhile, Becky (Madison Burge) and Tim (Taylor Kitsch) grow closer. Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Jesse Plemons, Aimee Teegarden, Matt Lauria and Jurnee Smollett also star.