January 1, Arch Manning Steals Win For Texas But Second Half Collapse Raises Fresh Doubts

Wyatt’s Take

• Texas blew another big lead and still won, showing the same second-half problems that have worried fans all season.
• Arch Manning looked sharp early then struggled late, leaving questions about whether the offense can stay consistent when it matters most.
• With Missouri and LSU coming up, the Longhorns must fix their pattern of falling apart after strong starts or the season could slip away.

Texas pulled off a 34-27 win over No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday night, but the game followed the same troubling script fans have seen too many times this year.

The Longhorns raced out to a 24-3 lead behind a sharp Arch Manning, then watched that advantage nearly disappear in the second half.

“We say every week, ‘whatever it takes,’ and I think we did that in the fourth quarter,” Manning mentioned after the game.

Texas managed just 19 yards in the third quarter while Ole Miss scored 14 points and forced a fumble that turned into a touchdown.

The Rebels scored 21 unanswered points and had fans in Austin sweating through another late collapse.

“I was pacing, saying a few prayers,” Arch Manning said about the final Ole Miss drive. “Our defense came up clutch, that’s what it’s all about.”

Ole Miss got the ball back with a chance to tie after recovering an onside kick, but a desperate heave from Trinidad Chambliss landed in the hands of a Texas defender.

The win keeps Texas alive in the SEC race, but the pattern of strong first halves followed by shaky finishes is becoming impossible to ignore.

Steve Sarkisian and Manning now face Missouri and LSU in the next three weeks, games that will test whether this team can finally put together four full quarters of football.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland families want to see their teams finish what they start instead of needing last-second heroics. Consistent effort week after week builds real pride in a program and respect across the country.