Manning Throws 3 TDs as Texas Dominates Mississippi State 31-3

Arch Manning's Precision Drives First Half Lead

The Texas Longhorns established control early on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with quarterback Arch Manning orchestrating a methodical offensive display that set the tone for the entire contest. Playing in front of 103,586 fans at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Texas opened the scoring in the first quarter when Cam Coleman hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Manning.

Gianni Spetic added the extra point to give the home team a 7-0 advantage.

Texas extended its lead before halftime through both the air and the ground. After Spetic connected on a 45-yard field goal to make it 10-0, the defense provided a critical spark. Maraad Watson broke loose for a 61-yard fumble return touchdown, capitalizing on a turnover to push the margin to 17-0 heading into the third quarter.

Manning’s efficiency was evident throughout the first half, laying the groundwork for his final stat line.

Defense Holds Firm in Second Half

Mississippi State managed only its first points of the game in the third quarter when kicker Kyle Ferrie nailed a 30-yard field goal, making the score 17-3. The Bulldogs’ offense struggled to generate momentum against a Texas defense that remained disciplined throughout the afternoon.

Texas responded immediately after the kick. Manning found Raleek Brown for a 4-yard touchdown pass in the third period, restoring the double-digit lead at 24-3. Brown contributed on the ground as well, finishing with eight carries for 30 yards, though his primary impact came through his receiving connection with Manning.

The final quarter saw no further scoring from Mississippi State, allowing Texas to maintain control until the final whistle. The Longhorns’ defensive unit held the Bulldogs’ passing attack in check, limiting AJ Swann to 97 passing yards on 12-of-15 completion. Mississippi State’s rushing effort was led by Fluff Bothwell, who carried the ball 17 times for 49 yards.

Manning and Receivers Shine

Arch Manning finished the game with a highly efficient performance, completing 16 of 20 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. His primary target was Emmett Mosley V, who recorded four receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown. Mosley’s late-game score came in the fourth quarter when he caught a 42-yard pass from Manning, sealing the 31-3 victory.

Mississippi State’s top receiver, Marquis Johnson, led his team with six catches for 61 yards but was unable to overcome the early deficit. The Bulldogs’ inability to stop Texas in the red zone and their failure to capitalize on turnovers kept them off the scoreboard after the first quarter.

Final Score and Records

The game concluded with a final score of Texas Longhorns 31, Mississippi State Bulldogs 3. With this result, the Texas Longhorns improved their record to 6-2 for the season. The Mississippi State Bulldogs fell to 4-4 on the year.

Manning’s three touchdown passes and Spetic’s perfect kicking performance were instrumental in the win. The Longhorns utilized a balanced attack that combined effective passing with opportunistic defense to secure the dominant home victory.

Sources

ESPN