Arch Manning’s Impact in Overtime Win
Arch Manning played a key role in the Texans’ dramatic comeback that salvaged their season. However, he unfortunately found himself in the medical tent during the game’s final minutes.
The 21-year-old quarterback had to leave the game after a hard hit to the head on the turf in overtime, during a nail-biting 45-38 win over Mississippi State in Starkville, Michigan.
On the very first play of overtime, Manning attempted to dive for a first down and was met by two defenders from Mississippi State.
He stayed on the field until team personnel arrived for an evaluation, after which he was escorted off and placed in the medical tent.
Details regarding the nature of his injury are still vague.
Senior quarterback Matthew Caldwell stepped up in Manning’s absence, scoring a touchdown in overtime that secured the victory for Texas.
The Longhorns, who had fallen behind by three possessions early in the fourth quarter, rallied back to score 17 unanswered points, pushing the game into overtime.
Manning contributed significantly to the comeback by throwing his third touchdown pass of the day and later leading the team to a field goal that narrowed Mississippi State’s lead to seven points.
With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Texas returner Ryan Niblett returned a punt from his own 21-yard line for the decisive touchdown.
Prior to exiting the game, Manning had his standout performance as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, completing 29 of 46 passes for 346 yards, including three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and an interception.
Ryan Wingo emerged as a standout receiver for Texas, racking up 184 yards on five receptions.
With this victory, the 22nd-ranked Longhorns achieved their sixth win in what’s been a turbulent season, having started the year ranked No. 1.
After their previous overtime win over Kentucky on October 18, head coach Steve Sarkisian had commented that Manning needed to improve in unleashing the team’s offense.
“We have to do a better job,” Sarkisian stated to reporters at the time. “First, I look in the mirror.”
