In a thrilling night at Tiger Stadium, Texas secured a 22‑21 win over LSU thanks to a last‑second touchdown pass from quarterback Arch Manning. The Longhorns, ranked No. 8, remain in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth, while the Tigers see their hopes sharply dimmed.
Game‑winning drive
Trailing 21‑16 with 2:19 left in the fourth quarter, Texas began its final drive from its own 42‑yard line. Manning, who had already contributed an early rushing score, showed poise under pressure. He converted three third‑down situations—one with a short 5‑yard pass and two by scrambling—setting up the decisive play.
With just three seconds remaining, Manning found wide receiver Raleek Brown on the left sideline for a 4‑yard touchdown. The score put Texas ahead 22‑21, and the crowd erupted as the Longhorns escaped the hostile environment of Baton Rouge.
Statistical snapshot
Manning finished 19‑of‑35 for 174 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Despite the turnovers, his clutch performance in the final minutes proved decisive. Texas’ defense stepped up late, forcing three takeaways and recording three sacks to preserve the lead.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns but also threw three interceptions, matching Manning’s turnover total. The Tigers missed a 38‑yard field goal at the end of the first half, a missed opportunity that lingered throughout the game.
Historical context
The victory echoed a family legacy. In 1968, Arch Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, led Mississippi to a comeback win at the same stadium. In 2001, his uncle Eli Manning did the same for the New York Giants. Arch continued the tradition, delivering a dramatic finish in the very stadium where he grew up watching games.
Implications for the season
Texas improves to 8‑2 overall and 5‑2 in the SEC, solidifying its position near the top of the conference and keeping the Longhorns in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. LSU falls to 6‑4 overall and 3‑4 in the SEC, virtually ending its postseason aspirations.
Next week, Texas will host Arkansas, while LSU travels to face No. 9 Tennessee. Both teams will look to rebound, but the Longhorns now carry the momentum of a comeback win that could define their season.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
