Arch Manning salvages first season as starter with Red River Rivalry win

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning saved his season on Saturday.

The Longhorns (4-2, 1-1 in SEC) defeated arch rival Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1 in SEC), ranked No. 6 in the most recent Associated Press top 25 poll, 23-6, in the annual Red River Rivalry, to stop the bleeding after a rough start to the season. Ranked first in the preseason AP poll, Texas dropped from the rankings following last weekend's loss to Florida. 

As important as it was for the team to get back into the win column, it was equally as important that Manning had a respectable performance after struggling through five games.

Arch Manning steady as Texas picks up most impressive win of the season

The much-ballyhooed former five-star high-school prospect from the 2023 class was 21-of-27 for 166 yards and a touchdown while adding 34 yards on four carries, including a 29-yarder that set up a late field goal. While he struggled during the fourth quarter against Florida, Manning played his best in the second half versus Oklahoma. He was 11-of-13 for 97 yards and a touchdown after halftime. 

Manning was also strong in high-leverage situations, going 11-of-12 on third downs, picking up seven firsts. His touchdown midway through the third quarter came on a 3rd-and-8, when he calmly stood in the pocket before ripping the ball into the end zone, where he found wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. for the 12-yard score.