Texas Pulls Away From Missouri With Three Second-Half Touchdowns

Texas rallied from a 13-13 tie to defeat Missouri 34-20, answering the Tigers’ 75-yard touchdown run by Naeshaun Montgomery with three consecutive second-half touchdowns. The win kept Texas’ College Football Playoff hopes alive and gave the Longhorns their fourth victory over a top-20 opponent this season.

Arch Manning completed 28 of 38 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers’ Jamal Roberts, who led the Southeastern Conference in rushing, gained just 66 yards as a runner.

After Texas tied the game on a 25-yard Manning touchdown pass to Jermaine Bishop Jr. late in the third quarter, the Longhorns’ defense forced Missouri to punt on consecutive drives. With just over five minutes left, Manning found Raleek Brown with a 23-yard scoring pass that put Texas ahead. A late Missouri possession ended with a turnover, and Brown scored again on an eight-yard run to seal the result.

Missouri’s special teams had a difficult afternoon, with Blake Craig missing field goals from 38 and 46 yards and a punt blocked. Texas also benefited from a disputed third-down ruling in the third quarter that gave the Longhorns possession; Manning’s touchdown pass to Bishop followed three plays later.

Texas visits No. 15 LSU next Saturday. Missouri travels to face No. 2 Georgia on November 14.