AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns won their first intraconference Southeastern Conference game on Saturday, beating Mississippi State 35-13 and improving to 5-0 on the season.
Sophomore quarterback Arch Manning once again led the offense, as starter Quinn Ewers continues to recover from an abdominal injury he suffered against UTSA in Week 3.
After an impressive but somewhat shaky first career start against Louisiana Monroe, Manning was far more efficient Saturday, commanding the offense against a much more formidable opponent and finishing with 324 yards and two touchdowns on 26-of-31 passing. He also ran for 33 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown on the final play of the third quarter.
Both of Manning’s touchdown passes went to fellow sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr., who had his best career collegiate game to date, racking up 103 yards on four catches in addition to his two scores. Isaiah Bond and Gunnar Helm led the team with five catches each, while Moore and Matthew Golden each caught four of Manning’s passes.
The Longhorns continued their effectiveness on the ground once again, as the team tallied 198 total rushing yards in the game. Tre Wisner led the charge, tallying 88 yards on 13 carries. Jaydon Blue ran for 36 yards and added his fourth touchdown of the season to his 2024 stat line but lost two fumbles. Bond also added a 26-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, which ultimately served as the game clinching score.
Defensively, the Longhorns were efficient, keeping the Bulldogs out of the end zone until the fourth quarter. David Gbenda and Jaylen Guilbeau led the team in tackles, with eight each. Senior defensive tackle Vernon Broughton also recovered a Mississippi State fumble on a strip sack in the third quarter.
The Longhorns will have a bye next week, as they prepare for two crucial games in mid-October. First up, they will face Oklahoma in the always pivotal Red River Rivalry on Oct. 12 in Dallas. The following week, the Longhorns will return home to face Georgia on Oct. 19, in what could be a preview of the SEC Championship.