Texas Dominates Mississippi State in SEC Opener
The No. 1 Texas Longhorns (4-0) opened their SEC schedule with a resounding 35-13 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3) at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns showcased a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Arch Manning, who delivered an impressive performance in his first SEC start.
Arch Manning's Breakout Performance
Manning, the highly touted freshman quarterback, completed 26 of 31 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. His efficiency and command of the offense were evident throughout the game, particularly in the second half when Texas pulled away from the Bulldogs. He displayed remarkable poise and accuracy, connecting with receivers on deep routes and short passes alike. DeAndre Moore Jr. emerged as Manning's primary target, hauling in four receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Running Backs Shine
The Longhorns' running game also played a significant role in the victory. Quintrevion Wisner led the way with 13 carries for 88 yards, including a career-high 12 attempts in the second half. Wisner proved to be a reliable option for Texas, consistently gaining tough yards and providing a solid presence in the backfield. Jaydon Blue, despite a couple of fumbles, added a touchdown and averaged six yards per carry, showcasing his explosiveness.
Texas Defense Stifles Mississippi State
The Texas defense played a crucial role in containing the Bulldogs' offense. They forced a turnover early in the third quarter when Vernon Broughton sacked Bulldog quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., forcing a fumble that he recovered at the Texas 43-yard line. The Longhorns' relentless pressure on Van Buren Jr. proved to be a significant factor in limiting Mississippi State's offensive production.
Texas' Dominance in the Trenches
The Longhorns' defense showcased its dominance in the trenches, recording 11 tackles for loss and six sacks. Freshman Colin Simmons, a standout performer, led the charge with another impressive performance. The six sacks mark the most by a Texas team under Pete Kwiatkowski and the most since recording eight against Iowa State in 2016.
A Dominant Performance for the Longhorns
The Longhorns' victory was a testament to their talent, depth, and coaching staff. They showcased a balanced offensive attack, a dominant defense, and a clear desire to establish their presence in the SEC. Their ability to withstand Mississippi State's challenge and pull away in the second half highlighted their potential for greatness. With the bye week approaching, Texas can now focus on fine-tuning their game before facing their arch-rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, in the Allstate Red River Rivalry on Oct. 12.
What's Next for Texas?
Texas will have a week to rest and prepare for the highly anticipated Red River Rivalry game against Oklahoma on Oct. 12. The Longhorns are looking to build upon their strong start to the season and solidify their place among the nation's elite.
