Texas dominates ULM 51-3 as Manning earns first win

Arch Manning made his starting debut for Texas, stepping in for the injured Quinn Ewers, and led the Longhorns to a decisive victory over Louisiana-Monroe with a score of 51-3. Manning, who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury, completed 15 of 29 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns, although he struggled with some forced throws and two interceptions. Jaydon Blue was a standout performer, scoring four touchdowns, including three in the first half, which helped Texas build a commanding lead early in the game. The Longhorns, ranked No. 1 for the first time since 2008, showcased their offensive prowess against the Warhawks, who were unable to keep pace. Manning's second-quarter touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo extended the lead to 28-0, further solidifying Texas's dominance. Despite the lopsided score, Louisiana-Monroe's defense managed to apply some pressure on Manning, indicating areas for improvement as the season progresses. This game served as a crucial learning opportunity for Manning, who demonstrated confidence in his throwing ability, even attempting risky passes into tight coverage. The victory marked a personal milestone for him, earning his first win as a starter, although he did not replicate the flawless performance from the previous week against UTSA. Looking ahead, Texas will face Mississippi State in their SEC opener, while Louisiana-Monroe prepares for their Sun Belt Conference opener against Troy. The outcome of this game will not significantly impact the Warhawks' season aspirations, as they have already matched their win total from the previous year.