The Houston Texans went into Pittsburgh for the final game of Wildcard Weekend in the NFL Playoffs and prevailed over the Steelers in a dominant 30-6 victory. And helping lead the way for the Texans was a former Mississippi State football star.
Texans running back and former Bulldog Woody Marks put together an outstanding performance for Houston, carrying the ball 19 times for 112 yards and a score. His 13-yard scamper to the endzone with 3:38 remaining in the fourth quarter put the game on ice for the Texans.
Woody Marks 19 CAR, 112 YDS, 1 TD vs PIT NFL Playoffs Wildcard Round Tonight.pic.twitter.com/jkz6zFwrsC https://t.co/hGBJcAb0Yy
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) January 13, 2026
Marks led the way for what was a dominant night on the ground for Houston. As a team, they ran for 164 yards at 5.3 per carry against a Steelers' rushing defense that had ranked No. 13 in the NFL. The Texans thoroughly dominated Pittsburgh, with three turnovers (none of which were committed by Marks) being the only thing keeping the Steelers alive until the final quarter. And Woody Marks was a big reason why Houston came away with a comfortable win.
It was a stellar postseason debut for the Mississippi State alum, as he helped secure what was the first road playoff win in Texans' franchise history. And Marks made a Mississippi State milestone as well. He is the first former Bulldog not named Dak Prescott to score an offensive touchdown in an NFL playoff game since Boobie Dixon for the 49ers in the 2013-2014 NFC Championship Game.
Woody Marks has secured his spot as the Texans' top running back
Bulldog fans should get used to seeing Woody Marks impressing down in "H-Town." He has established himself as the Texans' leader in the backfield in this rookie season. He led Houston with 703 rushing yards during the regular season and caught 24 passes for 208 yards. He reached the endzone five total times.
His performance in the playoffs further cements his role as a key piece for the Houston offense moving forward. And with a franchise QB in place in CJ Stroud and plenty of young talent on both sides of the ball, Marks will likely be a part of a team that can regularly contend in the NFL. It was a great landing spot for the former Mississippi State back, and he's made the most of the opportunity.