No. 19 Texas defeated No. 7 Ole Miss 24-3 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, avoiding the program’s first three-game losing streak since 2021 behind a strong performance from quarterback Arch Manning and a suffocating defensive effort.
Arch Manning and the Texas Offense Overcome Early Struggles
Head coach Steve Sarkisian faced questions regarding whether Manning would be benched for early struggles, a rare move for the program’s starter. Manning responded by leading a 12-play, 69-yard opening drive that chewed up over five minutes of game clock, culminating in a 23-yard field goal.
Ole Miss answered with a 46-yard field goal from its own drive to tie the game at 3-3. Manning connected with wide receiver Ryan Wingo on a 50-yard touchdown pass down the post route, extending the lead. Manning later scrambled for a 19-yard gain on a crucial 3rd and 17 and added a two-yard touchdown run out of a spread look, giving the Longhorns a 10-3 advantage.
That's the first time Ole Miss has been stopped on a first-down and goal series this season and the three points at half are the Rebels fewest in a half since 2023🤘🏻Until that series, Ole Miss was 24-of-24 (21 TDs) in the Red Zone this season🤘🏻 https://t.co/A8lWCzctng
— https://x.com/UT_Bianco/status/2114171160661282865
Before halftime, penalties plagued the Rebels, including a pass-interference call that moved the ball down to the 2-yard line. Sophomore running back Michael Terry III capitalized with his first career touchdown run behind a jumbo package, sending Texas into the locker room ahead 24-3.
Will Muschamp uses pressure packages to frustrate Chambliss
Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp dialed up pressure packages that frustrated Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss throughout the contest. Senior linebacker Justin Cryer anchored the defensive front with an interception and critical stops at the line of scrimmage, halting multiple Rebel drives. Safety Rasheem Biles added his third interception of the season late in the second quarter, stopping an Ole Miss red-zone threat just before halftime.
The Longhorns adjusted their depth chart prior to kickoff. Junior safety Kobe Black was a game-time decision and took backup reps behind senior Derek Williams, who was elevated to co-starter. With junior edge Colin Simmons and freshman edge Richard Wesley both sidelined by injuries, sophomore Lance Jackson started at the Jack end position, supported by senior Colton Vasek.
Texas defense protects lead after Manning fumbles
The third quarter brought immediate trouble for the Longhorns when backup senior left Trevor Goosby surrendered a severe pass rush, resulting in a Manning fumble that Ole Miss recovered for a touchdown. Despite the miscue, the Texas defense stiffened to protect the lead, preventing the Rebels from mounting a significant comeback.
Who scored for Texas and Ole Miss?
Who scored the first touchdown for Texas in the game?
Arch Manning scored the game’s first offensive touchdown on a two-yard zone read run in the second quarter, pushing the Texas lead to 10-3.
What were the key injuries noted for Texas before kickoff?
Texas played without junior edge Colin Simmons and freshman edge Richard Wesley. Sophomore offensive lineman Jackson Christian came off the questionable list, and freshman running back Derrek Cooper was listed as probable.
Last three plays in Texas–Ole Miss:• Arch Manning INT • Trinidad Chambliss INT • Arch Manning’s potential 59-yard TD is droppedpic.twitter.com/7BG2UrPwVz
— https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2114150386936512935
How did Ole Miss score its points against the Longhorns?
Ole Miss scored its lone field goal in the first quarter on a 46-yard kick to tie the game 3-3, and added a defensive touchdown in the third quarter off a fumble recovery.
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