Texas secures first SEC win over Mississippi State, 35-13

In a significant matchup on October 5, 2023, Arch Manning led the Texas Longhorns to a 35-13 victory over Mississippi State, marking Texas's first win in the Southeastern Conference. Manning, filling in for the injured Quinn Ewers, showcased his skills by completing 26 of 31 passes for 324 yards, including two touchdown passes to Deondre Moore and a rushing touchdown. The Longhorns' defense was also pivotal, holding Mississippi State to just one touchdown late in the game. The game was tightly contested in the first half, with Mississippi State managing to stay within striking distance, even pulling to 7-6 with two field goals. However, Manning's late second-quarter touchdown pass shifted the momentum in favor of Texas. Despite struggling with penalties and turnovers, the Longhorns' offense found its rhythm in the second half, ultimately securing the win. This victory improved Texas's record to 5-0 overall and 1-0 in the SEC, while Mississippi State fell to 1-4. The Longhorns' performance highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their running game and discipline, as they prepare for upcoming challenges against ranked opponents. Looking ahead, Texas will face No. 21 Oklahoma, while Mississippi State will take a week off before facing No. 2 Georgia. Both teams will need to address their respective issues to remain competitive in their upcoming games.