Arch Manning scores three times as Texas defeats Mississippi State 31-3
A 61-yard fumble return by Maraad Watson and a defensive effort limited the Bulldogs to three points in the Austin showdown.
By James Brooks ·
Arch Manning completed three touchdown passes to lead No. 11 Texas to a 31-3 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday night in Austin. The Longhorns extended their winning streak to two games and improved to a 6-2 overall record. Their 3-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference keeps them in contention for the league title.
The game began with an immediate strike. Manning connected with Cam Coleman from 14 yards out on the fourth play of the contest. Texas built a 10-0 lead before halftime, but Mississippi State threatened to cut the deficit. Transfer quarterback AJ Swann, starting in place of the injured Kamario Taylor, was sacked by linebacker Rasheem Biles. The ball bounced free and landed in the hands of defensive tackle Maraad Watson.
Watson, a 6-foot-3, 333-pound player, ran 61 yards for the score. He described the run as a test of endurance. By the 15-yard line, he admitted he was getting tired. He told himself he had to make it. Watson reached the end zone just before the break. The hit also knocked Swann out of the game with an injury.
Manning added two more scores in the second half to secure the rout. He threw for 148 yards, completing 11 of 19 passes for 148 yards and no interceptions. His second touchdown went to Raleek Brown in the third quarter. He found Emmett Mosely V for the final score in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns held the Bulldogs to 3 points despite a strong defensive showing earlier in the game.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said the team is growing. He noted that they continue to find ways to win. The Longhorns completed a three-game homestand with the result. They now travel for three of their final four regular-season contests. Their next game is on the road at Missouri on Nov. 7.
Mississippi State dropped to 4-4 with the loss. They have lost four straight games after a 4-0 start. The team faces a quarterback crisis. Swann was steady on 12-of-15 passing until his injury. He spent the second half with his right arm in a sling. Walk-on Parker Puckett took over the offense for the remainder of the game.
Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby expressed frustration with early penalties. He cited false starts on first down and fourth-and-2 situations. He said the team is not good enough to overcome those mistakes right now. The Bulldogs host Vanderbilt on Nov. 7 to try to stop the slide.
Biles was the defensive standout for Texas. The transfer from Pitt recorded eight tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He forced the fumble that led to Watson’s touchdown. Biles credited the unit for playing well. He acknowledged that his stats stood out because of his aggressive pursuit. Texas top playmaker Coleman left the game early for the second consecutive game. The team did not immediately disclose the nature of his injury.
