January 1, Arch Manning Shows Promise as Texas Readies for SEC Challenge

Wyatt’s Take

• Arch Manning delivered early fireworks with two touchdown passes before the going got tough against UTSA.
• Texas defense showed grit by shutting down the Roadrunners and holding them out of the end zone.
• Next week’s road trip to Knoxville will test whether the Longhorns are ready for the Southeastern Conference grind.

Arch Manning gave the top-ranked Texas Longhorns an early spark by throwing two touchdown passes Saturday night in Austin, but the star quarterback struggled for much of the game as Texas beat UTSA 30-6.

Manning finished the night with 164 passing yards, completing just 17 of 33 passes.

He absorbed multiple hard hits from UTSA defenders before leaving the game about halfway through the fourth quarter.

The victory improved Texas to 3-0, but this season’s challenge will intensify next week when the Longhorns open Southeastern Conference play.

Texas travels to Knoxville next week to face No. 15 Tennessee in its SEC opener.

The Volunteers dominated Kennesaw State 42-9 on Saturday to improve to 3-0.

Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman’s first touchdown came after a Texas interception by Rasheem Biles on the first play of the game.

His second, on a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone, put Texas ahead 17-3 in the second quarter.

Gianni Spetic kicked three field goals, and Texas led 23-6 entering the fourth quarter.

Freshman Derrick Cooper scored his first career touchdown on a run with less than nine minutes left on the clock.

Manning largely struggled after his fast start.

He missed open receivers and wildly overthrew others.

He took several hard hits on scrambles and had his helmet knocked off by a violent collision in the second quarter.

The Texas defense picked up where it left off after its dominant second half against Ohio State.

The Longhorns allowed just 143 total yards and kept the Roadrunners out of the end zone.

UTSA hosts Colorado State next Saturday.

Wyatt Matters

Texas football represents the heartland values of hard work, toughness, and never backing down from a challenge. As the Longhorns head into SEC play, fans across Middle America will be watching to see if this young team can live up to those ideals.