Arch Manning led the Texas Longhorns to an early lead with two touchdown passes on Saturday night in Austin. However, the star quarterback faced difficulties for much of the game as Texas secured a 30-6 victory over UTSA. Manning completed 17 of 33 pass attempts, amassing 164 yards. His performance was marked by multiple hard hits from UTSA defenders, forcing him to leave the game midway through the fourth quarter.
The win improved Texas’ record to 3-0, setting the stage for a challenging season as they prepare to open Southeastern Conference play. Next week, Texas heads to Knoxville to face No. 15 Tennessee, who recently triumphed over Kennesaw State 42-9 to also achieve a 3-0 record.
Cam Coleman, a wide receiver for the Longhorns, scored his first touchdown following an interception by Rasheem Biles on the initial play. Coleman’s second touchdown, a leaping catch, extended Texas’ lead to 17-3 in the second quarter. Texas running back Derrek Cooper and Arch Manning celebrated after Cooper’s second-half touchdown, solidifying the Longhorns’ dominance.
Kicker Gianni Spetic contributed three field goals, helping Texas to a 23-6 lead entering the final quarter. Freshman Derrick Cooper scored his first career touchdown on a late-game run, increasing the lead further.
Manning’s initial momentum waned as he missed open receivers and overthrew others. His difficulties were compounded by several intense hits, including one that dislodged his helmet in the second quarter. Despite these struggles, the Texas defense excelled, allowing only 143 total yards and preventing UTSA from reaching the end zone.
The Longhorns’ defense mirrored their strong performance from the second half against Ohio State. Meanwhile, UTSA prepares to face Colorado State next Saturday.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital, and contributions to this report were made by the Associated Press.