Texas vs Mississippi State: Longhorns Survive Early Struggles, Win 31-21
The Texas Longhorns football team opened their SEC play with a gritty 31-21 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Playing at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Longhorns overcame early struggles to pull ahead in the second half, thanks to key performances from their roster despite missing starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Arch Manning Leads Texas to Victory
With Ewers sidelined due to injury, freshman quarterback Arch Manning stepped in for his first SEC test, delivering a solid performance. Manning completed 21 of 32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise under pressure in crucial moments. Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Manning’s maturity, noting that the young quarterback kept the team composed after a rocky start.
Texas Offense Finds Its Rhythm in Second Half
Mississippi State’s defense made life difficult for Texas in the first half, forcing a couple of turnovers and limiting the Longhorns’ offensive output. The Bulldogs took advantage of those early mistakes to build a slim 14-10 lead at halftime. However, Texas found its rhythm in the second half, with Manning connecting with star wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a 45-yard touchdown that gave the Longhorns the lead for good.
Running back Jonathan Brooks added to the offensive push, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown, helping Texas control the tempo as the game progressed.
Bulldogs’ Defense Falters in the End
The Mississippi State Bulldogs football team, led by quarterback Will Rogers, played well in the early stages of the game but couldn’t keep up with the Longhorns in the second half. Rogers finished with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Bulldogs’ offense sputtered as Texas made adjustments after the break. The Texas defense, led by standout linebacker Jaylan Ford, shut down Mississippi State’s rushing attack, forcing Rogers into tough passing situations.
Where to Watch Texas Longhorns Football vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
Fans looking to catch future games can find Texas Longhorns football broadcasts on networks like ESPN, SEC Network, and FOX, with streaming options available through platforms like Hulu Live and ESPN+. The game against Mississippi State was also available on SEC Network. For those wondering where to watch Mississippi State Bulldogs football vs Texas Longhorns football, check the same networks for continued coverage throughout the season.
Key Player Stats:
- Arch Manning (Texas): 21/32, 235 yards, 2 TDs
- Xavier Worthy (Texas): 6 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
- Jonathan Brooks (Texas): 115 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Will Rogers (Mississippi State): 250 passing yards, 2 TDs
- Jo’quavious Marks (Mississippi State): 65 rushing yards, 1 TD
Looking Ahead: Texas and Mississippi State Schedules
The win puts Texas in a strong position as they look ahead to their next SEC matchups. Their Texas football schedule includes tough games against Oklahoma and Alabama, as well as a matchup with Georgia later in the season. Mississippi State, meanwhile, will look to bounce back as they face a challenging stretch of games in the highly competitive SEC.
The Longhorns’ SEC debut shows they can handle the rigors of the conference, but with top-tier opponents on the horizon, they will need to continue improving if they hope to make a strong case for the College Football Playoff.