Texas Beats Mississippi State 31-3 Behind Manning, Defense

Texas improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Southeastern Conference with the victory, keeping itself in the conference title race. The Longhorns had lost two straight before winning their past two games. Mississippi State fell to 4-4 and has lost four consecutive games after opening the season 4-0.

Manning completed 16 of 20 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He threw scoring passes to Cam Coleman, Raleek Brown and Emmett Mosley V. Coleman left in the first half with an injury and did not return. Manning also lost a fumble in the third quarter, but Texas held Mississippi State to a field goal after the turnover.

The game’s pivotal play came shortly before halftime. Texas defensive tackle Maraad Watson recovered a fumble and ran 61 yards for a touchdown, giving the Longhorns a 17-0 lead. Rasheem Biles had three sacks and forced two fumbles as Texas recorded seven sacks. Mississippi State reached the red zone once.

Texas struggled to run the ball, finishing with 60 yards on 32 carries. Raleek Brown had 30 yards on eight attempts. Running back Hollywood Smothers appeared to sustain an injury to his lower body after halftime. The Longhorns visit Missouri on November 7, while Mississippi State hosts Vanderbilt that day.