It wasn’t the prettiest performance, but No. 17 Texas managed to secure a win on Saturday in Austin, Texas.
Even though No. 7 Mississippi made a strong push in the second half, the Longhorns held off the Rebels, finishing with a close 34-27 victory.
This game was significant for quarterback Arch Manning, who has faced a challenging junior season that saw him at risk of losing his starting position, especially as backup KJ Lacey had been getting more practice time with the first team this week.
Before this game, Manning had accumulated just 1,295 passing yards alongside 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Under pressure to perform, the Texas offense surged at the beginning, scoring 21 consecutive points to take a commanding 24-3 lead by halftime.
Despite the initial struggle, Ole Miss wasted no time in bouncing back during the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns that narrowed the gap significantly.
As the fourth quarter began, Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss connected with wide receiver Horatio Fields for a 27-yard touchdown, tying the game at 24.
Manning faced a setback with an interception on the next drive, but Texas’s defense stepped up and halted the Rebels, keeping the score tied.
Then, Manning drove the Longhorns back ahead with a rushing touchdown, marking his second of the night.
After Ole Miss missed a field goal, Texas responded with a 33-yard kick, extending their lead to two scores.
However, the Rebels made it dramatic in the closing minutes. They scored a field goal and managed to recover an onside kick, giving them a chance to equalize again.
In the end, Texas intercepted Chambliss’ desperate Hail Mary attempt, sealing their fifth win of the season.
Manning, aged 22, threw for 212 yards, contributing two rushing touchdowns in addition to one passing touchdown, but two interceptions—finishing 18 of 30. This performance likely keeps him in the starting slot for at least another week.
Junior receiver Ryan Wingo was the standout for the Longhorns, reeling in 111 yards and a touchdown on seven catches.
On the ground, running back Raleek Brown dominated with 157 rushing yards on 23 carries, while Michael Terry III contributed by scoring a rushing touchdown in the first half.
Next up, Texas will take on Mississippi State at home on October 31.
