Texas Football: Manning's Three Touchdowns Seal 31-1 Victory
Longhorns extend their winning streak with a dominant performance over Mississippi State, despite an injury to defensive lineman Cam Coleman.
By Kofi Costa ·
Texas football secured a decisive 31-1 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday night, extending their season record to 6-2. The Longhorns controlled the game at Royal Memorial Stadium, putting away the Bulldogs in their final month of the regular season.
Quarterback Arch Manning completed 16 of his 20 pass attempts for 220 yards and three touchdowns. It marked the first time in his career that Manning threw three touchdown passes against the blitz. Manning also utilized his legs to gain additional yardage, a factor coach Steve Sarkisian noted positively after the game.
Defensive lineman Maraad Watson provided a key spark for the offense with a scoop-and-score that widened the lead in the first half. The play energized the home crowd and helped establish the Longhorns' early advantage against the Mississippi State defense.
The win came with a minor setback for the defense. Defensive lineman Cam Coleman left the previous game against Ole Miss with an injury. Coleman entered the locker room after this contest and exited wearing street clothes, signaling he will not play immediately. His absence leaves a gap in the defensive line as the team prepares for its final stretch.
Texas now turns its focus to the road to play Missouri. The Longhorns have won three of their last four conference games and will look to maintain their momentum in the final month of the season. The victory over Mississippi State serves as a concrete step toward their remaining objectives.
