Texas is No. 1 no more, after a two-interception fourth quarter from quarterback Arch Manning handed Oklahoma a come-from-behind victory in the Red River Rivalry. This wasn’t just any game, either. The Longhorns came in 4-0 and top-ranked in the country, facing an unranked Oklahoma team that was just 2-2. Talk about a prime opportunity to show the world what you’re made of. Instead, we got a shocking collapse.
From Longhorn Lead to Fourth-Quarter Fumble
The Longhorns were rolling, up 17-7 at halftime. Everything looked like it was going according to plan for the top team in the nation. But the second half? Absolute nightmare fuel. Texas punted on all three of its third-quarter possessions, completely stalling out. Then came the fourth quarter, and that’s where it all went south for Manning, big time. His first interception? A pick-six that gave Oklahoma their first lead of the entire game. Can you believe it? Unranked Oklahoma, getting their first lead of the day off a pick-six from the guy everyone’s been hyping up. And if that wasn’t enough gut-punch material, his second pick set up Oklahoma’s game-winning field goal. Twenty-seven to twenty-four. Just like that, the undefeated, top-ranked team in the country is done.
The Numbers Don’t Lie, But the Tape Does
Look, Manning’s overall numbers don’t scream “disaster” on paper: 19 of 31 for 260 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, plus 20 rushing yards. Pretty solid, right? But those don’t tell the story, not even close. It was that fourth-quarter implosion that everyone’s gonna remember. This dude is the betting favorite to be the first overall pick in the NFL draft, just like his legendary uncles Peyton and Eli. And tonight? He looked anything but. You can’t be the presumptive No. 1 guy and throw two game-changing picks in the final quarter against an unranked opponent, especially when your team has a lead.
This isn’t just a loss; it’s a huge dent in the armor of a guy many had penciled in as the next big thing. That No. 1 pick status? It just got a whole lot shakier after this Red River Rivalry shocker. What’s next for Manning and Texas? Every single throw, every single decision from here on out is under the microscope. That No. 1 overall pick talk? It’s not gone, but tonight, it sure got a cold dose of reality.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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