Texas Secures First SEC Win as Arch Manning Leads the Longhorns Past Mississippi State 35-13
AUSTIN, Texas — No. 1 Texas clinched its first SEC victory, overcoming a slow start and self-inflicted errors to defeat Mississippi State 35-13 on Saturday, powered by quarterback Arch Manning’s strong performance.
Manning completed 26-of-31 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, adding 33 rushing yards and another score. Despite some setbacks—including a dropped 62-yard touchdown pass by Johntay Cook II in the second quarter—Manning showed resilience.
Coming off a two-interception debut against UL Monroe last week, Manning said he felt more comfortable this time.
I think last week I didn’t have as much fun as I wanted to, Manning admitted. But I had more fun today, even though it was a bit rocky.
Texas struggled with several mistakes throughout the game. Running back Jaydon Blue fumbled twice, one inside the red zone, and the offense was flagged for eight penalties. Head coach Steve Sarkisian criticized his own decision-making after choosing to kick a field goal, then opting to go for it on fourth down following a Mississippi State defensive penalty. The attempt failed, taking three points off the board.
Despite the miscues, Texas led 14-6 at halftime. Mississippi State, under freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., employed a ground-heavy strategy, running 73 plays compared to Texas' 62. However, the Longhorns outgained the Bulldogs with 522 yards to 294 in total offense. The game was marred by 17 penalties, many of which required long reviews, disrupting the flow of play.
It was hard for the game to get into a rhythm, Sarkisian acknowledged, but expressed satisfaction with his team's composure and their 5-0 start to the season. This marks the second consecutive year Texas has started 5-0, a feat the program has only achieved twice in the past 50 years.
With an off week ahead, followed by the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma and a home game against Georgia, Sarkisian praised the team’s perseverance, especially while quarterback Quinn Ewers recovers from a strained oblique.
We need Quinn back because he’s our quarterback and leader, Sarkisian said. But what we’ve learned, and what Arch has learned, is this team can count on him too.
Manning echoed the sentiment, expressing readiness for Ewers' return.
Quinn’s proven himself. He led us to the Sugar Bowl last year and has played really well this season. This is his team, Manning said. But I’ll be ready when my number’s called if they need me. We’re just going to keep this thing rolling.
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