Texas Longhorns Triumph Over Vanderbilt in Thrilling Match

AUSTIN, Texas — In a nail-biting contest, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, returning from concussion protocols, powered the No. 20 Longhorns to a 34-31 victory against No. 9 Vanderbilt. Manning showcased his ability with an impressive 328 passing yards and three touchdowns, including a breathtaking 75-yard touchdown throw to Ryan Wingo on the opening play of the game.

Game Overview

The Longhorns showcased a dominant performance early on:

• First Half Score: Texas surged to a commanding 24-3 lead by halftime.
• Fourth Quarter Collapse: Leading 34-10 in the fourth, Texas faced a fierce comeback from the Commodores. Quarterback Diego Pavia spearheaded the rally, executing a touchdown run and throwing for two more scores, one of which was a 67-yard bomb to Eli Stowers.

Exciting Finish

The Commodores’ hopes dwindled when their onside kick attempt rolled out of bounds, ending their spirited comeback effort.

Coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team:

“Almost a playoff type game in November. A great win … You’ve got to play 60 minutes in this conference for sure.”

Arch Manning’s Performance

Returning from an injury sustained in a previous game against Mississippi State, Manning was eager to make an impact. After being cleared from concussion protocols, he demonstrated his resilience throughout the match:

• Completion Rate: Manning went 25 of 33, showcasing precision and composure.
• Key Receivers: Besides Wingo, he also connected with C.J. Baxter for significant yardage.
• Hit After Throw: Manning took a hard hit on his third touchdown pass to Emmett Mosely V, but quickly bounced back to celebrate with teammates.

Coaches’ Thoughts

• Steve Sarkisian remarked on the protection Manning received:

  "This was the best protection he’s gotten all year.”

• Clark Lea, Vanderbilt’s coach, reflected on his team’s effort despite the loss:
  

  “I admire the way he finished the game out. I would have loved to have recovered that onside kick, but we didn’t.”

Key Players

• Arch Manning: 328 yards, 3 touchdowns
• Quintrevion Wisner: 18 rushes, 75 yards, 1 touchdown
• Ryan Wingo: 2 receptions, 89 yards

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Texas improved to 7-2, 4-1 in the SEC, solidifying their standing in the conference. The team’s ability to hold off a late surge from Vanderbilt reinforces their potential for postseason play, emphasizing the importance of consistency and resilience as they move forward in the season.

Next Matchup: The Longhorns will look to continue their winning ways as they prepare for their upcoming game next week.

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