Manning delivers in the fourth quarter as Texas keeps its playoff hopes alive.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning saved some of his best football for the fourth quarter Saturday, leading the seventh-ranked Longhorns to a hard-fought 34-20 victory over No. 18 Missouri in Columbia. The win improved Texas to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Southeastern Conference play, keeping the Longhorns in contention for a College Football Playoff berth.
Manning completed 28 of 38 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Raleek Brown contributed 133 yards from scrimmage and two decisive late touchdowns. Their performances helped Texas overcome a Missouri team that remained competitive well into the final period.
Missouri struck first and held a 10-7 advantage after the opening quarter. Texas responded with a field goal before halftime, sending the teams to the locker room tied at 10. A blocked Missouri punt by linebacker Jonathan Cunningham provided one of the important special-teams plays of the first half, helping the Longhorns generate another scoring opportunity.
The two teams traded scores in the third quarter, with each producing 10 points. That left the game tied at 20 entering the fourth, setting the stage for Manning and Brown to take control.
With just over five minutes remaining, Manning connected with Brown on a 23-yard touchdown pass that gave Texas the lead. The Longhorns’ defense subsequently produced important stops, preventing Missouri from answering. Brown then added an eight-yard touchdown run with 1:25 remaining to seal the victory.
Brown finished with 85 rushing yards and 48 receiving yards, demonstrating the versatility that makes him such a valuable component of the Texas offense. Manning’s ability to distribute the football and execute under pressure was equally important.
Texas also received touchdown receptions from freshmen Derrek Cooper and Jermaine Bishop Jr., demonstrating the continuing development of the Longhorns’ younger offensive players.
Defensively, Texas held Missouri scoreless during the second and fourth quarters. Justin Cryer, Rasheem Biles and Derek Williams Jr. each recorded six tackles, while consistent defensive pressure helped disrupt Missouri’s passing attack.
The Longhorns also converted all four of their red-zone opportunities into points, producing two touchdowns and two field goals.
For Missouri, the defeat dropped the Tigers to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the SEC. The Tigers played well enough to remain competitive for three quarters but could not match Texas during the decisive final minutes.
What it means: Texas earned its fourth victory of the season over an AP Top 25 opponent. With the Longhorns traveling to LSU next weekend, this victory provides valuable momentum for another important conference matchup. Missouri, meanwhile, must find greater consistency in finishing close games against nationally ranked opponents.
