Arch Manning faced heavy criticism online as he tried to rally the Texas Longhorns against LSU. After throwing three interceptions, he delivered a game-winning touchdown pass to Raleek Brown, lifting Texas to a 22–21 victory.
The result kept Texas’ College Football Playoff hopes alive and ended LSU’s chances of reaching the postseason tournament. Asked afterward about eliminating the Tigers, Manning said the team had talked about how one side’s success can end another’s dream. He said he usually prefers to focus on Texas, though the moment felt satisfying.
Manning celebrated with his teammates as the clock ran out. The comeback came after a difficult night, but he stayed in the game and made the decisive play late.
“It means the world,” Manning said, reflecting on returning to his home state. He recalled attending games there as a child and said winning in the final seconds was a memory he would carry with him.
Manning acknowledged that his performance had been rough for much of the evening. He also said he grew up around LSU supporters and looked forward to seeing them back in New Orleans, where he could enjoy the win without hearing their usual teasing.
LSU, coached by Lane Kiffin in his first season, has six wins and appears headed for a regular bowl game rather than the playoff. Kiffin said the team had fallen short of expectations, regardless of how closely it had played its games. He added that building a roster takes time, while acknowledging that LSU needed to win more often.
