The Texas Longhorns made a strong statement in their first SEC victory, defeating Mississippi State 35-13 in front of a packed crowd of 101,388 at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Led by a stellar performance from quarterback Arch Manning, the Longhorns solidified their position as the No. 1 team in the nation.
Arch Manning was in command from start to finish, completing 26 of 31 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Manning also showcased his mobility, rushing for a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter, marking his third career rushing score. His precise passing and ability to extend plays with his legs were on full display, as he continues to build a strong Heisman campaign.
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. proved to be Manning’s top target, hauling in four receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Moore’s second touchdown, a 27-yard strike in the fourth quarter, capped off an 85-yard drive that put the game out of reach. His explosive ability to stretch the field added a dynamic element to the Longhorns’ offense.
Quintrevion Wisner also made a significant contribution on the ground, rushing for 88 yards on 13 carries. Meanwhile, Jaydon Blue added a 1-yard touchdown rush, his fourth of the season, following a critical fourth-down stop by the Texas defense at the Longhorns’ 28-yard line.
Texas’ defense was relentless, forcing their eighth turnover of the season when Vernon Broughton sacked Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., causing a fumble, which he recovered at the Texas 43-yard line. The defensive effort set the tone, and Texas capitalized on key plays throughout the game.
The Longhorns ended the first half with an exclamation point, as Manning connected with Moore Jr. on a 49-yard touchdown pass, putting Texas up 14-6 after an 8-play, 75-yard drive in just 1:27. Manning’s legs also played a critical role in the third quarter, where his 26-yard rush set up his own 1-yard touchdown run, giving Texas a 21-6 lead.
Isaiah Bond put the final touches on the victory with his first career rushing touchdown, a 26-yard run with 3:05 left in the game, sealing the Longhorns’ dominant performance.
With this victory, Texas improves to 5-0 and now turns its attention to the highly anticipated Allstate Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on Saturday, October 12, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
