Arch Manning Shines with 3 TDs as Texas Upsets No. 9 Vanderbilt

In a thrilling matchup, the No. 20 Texas Longhorns secured a significant 34-22 victory over No. 9 Vanderbilt, keeping their College Football Playoff aspirations alive. Arch Manning delivered an impressive performance, throwing for three touchdowns, showcasing a remarkable resurgence following a concussion.

Game Highlights

The game commenced with Texas taking an early lead. Manning connected with Ryan Wingo for a stunning 75-yard touchdown on the very first play. The Longhorns quickly extended their lead to 17-0, putting Vanderbilt in a challenging position.

Key Statistics

• Manning completed 25 of 33 passes.
• He amassed 328 passing yards.
• This marked his third game over 300 yards this season.
• Vanderbilt scored a touchdown right before halftime, narrowing the gap to 14 points.

Second Half Action

After halftime, Texas’ defense forced a three-and-out, allowing Manning to quickly restore a three-score advantage with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V. Despite the commanding lead, Vanderbilt made a late-game surge, scoring two touchdowns in the final four minutes.

Coaching Reflections

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian expressed his desire for his team to avoid unnecessary drama. Despite the final score, the Longhorns showed promise, especially with Manning’s contribution. The victory follows back-to-back overtime wins against Kentucky and Mississippi State, further highlighting their inconsistent performance this season.

Looking Ahead

The Longhorns have upcoming games against formidable opponents, including No. 5 Georgia and No. 3 Texas A&M, along with Arkansas. Winning these could position Texas strongly for the playoffs, even with a possible 9-3 record.

Vanderbilt’s Struggles

Quarterback Diego Pavia’s Heisman hopes are dimming after a rocky start against Texas. He threw for three touchdowns and added a rushing score, but the early fumble hampered his team’s momentum. Vanderbilt’s potential playoff aspirations remain uncertain following this loss.

Conclusion

Texas’ latest victory reinforces their playoff ambitions, particularly if they can navigate the challenging games ahead. With Manning hitting his stride, the Longhorns are poised to make a lasting impact on the season.