The No. 5 Texas Longhorns absolutely ran over Texas State, winning 59-7, and quarterback Arch Manning looked miles better than his 2025 performance against Ohio State. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has to be stoked about an opener like this, even if the Horns definitely showed they’ve still got room to improve. But hey, it’s September 5th, and they played up to their ranking for stretches. What more could you ask for in a blowout?
Arch Manning’s Big Night, With One Glitch
Manning absolutely showed out, completing 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns. He looked completely in command, spreading the ball around to all his playmakers. Ryan Wingo, the veteran wideout, ate it up with seven catches for 121 yards and a score. Manning’s only real blip was an interception thrown into double coverage at the end of the first half. But you know what? He bounced back like a true gamer, opening the third quarter with a deep throw to Wingo and then a 20-yard touchdown pass to high-priced import Cam Coleman, all while taking a wicked shot to the head. That’s grit! And newcomer Hollywood Smothers? This dude is an absolute terror in the passing game, snagging three aerials for 28 yards and a touchdown. You can bet he’s gonna catch upwards of 60 passes this fall, which is versatility Texas hasn’t seen since Jaydon Blue in 2024. The run game was just serviceable at 4.4 yards per carry, not a world-beater, but still effective enough.
Muschamp’s Defense Brought the Heat
Will Muschamp’s newfangled defense was exactly what Sarkisian ordered. Holding a Texas State team that ranked fifth nationally to a single touchdown and over 150 yards under their average from last season? That’s a huge win. The defense was the real star here. Alex January batted down a crucial fourth-down pass early on. Graceson Littleton put a charge into the sellout crowd with a sick 60-yard fumble return for a touchdown, set up by a strip from Rasheem Biles. And speaking of dynamic duos, Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles came up with a fumble recovery and an interception, respectively. That’s making plays, folks! Kicker Gianni Spetik also tacked on a 48-yard field goal in a solid debut.
Now, America’s attention shifts to the next week, when Texas faces a renewal of a hot nonconference rivalry. It’s a delicious top-five matchup coming up at DKR against Ohio State, featuring Manning and Ohio State starter Julian Sayin. This is where we’ll really see what this No. 5 Texas squad is made of. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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