Manning Leads Texas Past Mississippi State 31-3
No. 11 Texas wins its second straight game behind a defensive stop and three passing touchdowns, extending a Mississippi State losing streak to four.
By Anthony Brooks ·
Arch Manning threw three touchdown passes as No. 11 Texas defeated Mississippi State 31-3 on Saturday night in Austin, Texas. The victory keeps the Longhorns competitive in the Southeastern Conference title race after they won their first two games of the season.
Texas improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Mississippi State fell to 4-4 overall and 2-4 in the SEC. The Bulldogs have lost four consecutive games, a slide that began after their 4-0 start to the season.
Maraad Watson, a 333-pound defensive tackle, returned a fumble 61 yards for a touchdown just before halftime. The play occurred when Mississippi State quarterback AJ Swann was sacked and the ball bounced loose. Watson had a clear path to the end zone with teammates blocking for him. He said he was tired by the 15-yard line but told himself he had to make it.
Swann, a transfer who started in place of injured Kamario Taylor, did not return after the fumble. He played the second half with his right arm in a sling. Parker Puckett, a walk-on, took over the offense. Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby said there was a lot of frustration and that the team is not good enough to overcome current issues.
Manning opened the scoring on the fourth play of the game with a 14-yard pass to Cam Coleman. The game remained close until Watson's score extended the Texas lead to 17-0. Manning added touchdown passes to Raleek Brown in the third quarter and Emmett Mosely V in the fourth quarter. The Mississippi State defense had sacked Manning six times and held Texas under 300 yards before wearing down late in the game.
Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles recorded eight tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. The transfer from Pitt forced the fumble that led to Watson's touchdown. Biles said he tries to go for the ball on every sack and credited the defense for a strong performance. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the team is growing and continues to find ways to win.
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor missed part or all of the last four games due to a season-ending toe injury that required surgery. Texas will travel to Missouri on Nov. 7. Mississippi State will host Vanderbilt on Nov. 7.
Source: WRAZ
