In their first SEC victory, No. 1 Texas, led by Arch Manning, overcame a sluggish start and self-inflicted errors to defeat Mississippi State 35-13 on Saturday.
Manning had an impressive outing, completing 26-of-31 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, with an additional 33 rushing yards and a score.
Despite a dropped wide-open touchdown pass by Johntay Cook II, which would have added another 62 passing yards, Manning bounced back from a shaky previous game where he threw two interceptions.
Reflecting on his performance, Manning said he felt more relaxed compared to the previous week.
I think last week I didn’t have as much fun as I wanted to, he said.
I think I had a little bit more fun today even though it was a little rocky.
The Longhorns faced multiple challenges during the game, including two fumbles by running back Jaydon Blue, dropped passes, and eight offensive penalties.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian also questioned his own decision-making after opting to go for it on fourth down following a penalty, taking three potential points off the board. Nonetheless, Texas managed a 14-6 halftime lead.
Mississippi State’s true freshman quarterback, Michael Van Buren Jr., leaned on the ground game to keep the Bulldogs in the contest, running 73 plays to Texas’ 62.
Despite this, Texas dominated yardage with 522 total yards compared to Mississippi State’s 294.
Sarkisian acknowledged the game’s lack of rhythm due to 17 penalties and lengthy reviews but praised his team’s resilience. Texas now sits at 5-0 for the second straight season—a feat achieved only twice in the last 50 years.
The Longhorns will have a bye week before facing Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, followed by a showdown with Georgia in Austin.
Sarkisian expressed confidence in Quinn Ewers’ leadership and his eventual return from an oblique injury but praised Manning’s performance.
What I think we learned and what Arch learned here over the last 2½ games is this team can count on him too, Sarkisian said.
Manning, who is prepared for Ewers’ return, echoed the sentiment: This is his team but I’ll be ready for when my number’s called.
Texas looks to maintain its momentum heading into the heart of their SEC schedule.