Arch Manning Shines as Texas Outlasts Vanderbilt in Thriller
It was one of those college football Saturdays that had fans glued to their seats till the very last play. The Texas Longhorns pulled off a nail-biting 34–31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores in Austin, marking one of their most important victories of the season. What made it even more special was that Arch Manning, who entered the week under concussion protocol, not only started the game but delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the country.
From the very first snap, Manning made it clear he was ready to roll. On the opening play from scrimmage, he launched a 75-yard touchdown strike to Ryan Wingo — and just like that, the crowd at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium erupted. That early statement set the tone for what would be an electric afternoon. Manning ended the game with 328 passing yards and three touchdowns, his second-best performance of the season, coming off a 346-yard effort the week before against Mississippi State.
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Texas came out strong, building a quick 17–0 lead by the end of the first quarter, thanks to a field goal from Mason Shipley and another touchdown pass from Manning to CJ Baxter. The defense also came up big early on — Colin Simmons strip-sacked Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia on the Commodores’ first drive, setting up that early field goal and helping Texas take control of the game.
But Vanderbilt didn’t fold. Pavia, who’s quietly become one of the standout quarterbacks in college football this year, led a comeback attempt that kept the pressure on Texas all afternoon. He finished with 357 yards, two passing touchdowns, and another rushing score. His top target, Eli Stowers, was nearly unstoppable with 146 yards and two touchdowns.
By halftime, Texas led 24–10, but Vanderbilt found life in the second half. Pavia’s 67-yard bomb to Stowers late in the fourth quarter cut the lead to 34–24, and then with just 33 seconds left, a short touchdown pass to Richie Hoskins brought the game within a field goal. It came down to an onside kick, but Texas managed to recover it, kneel out the clock, and hold on for the win.
The Longhorns, now 7–2 overall and 4–1 in SEC play, are still firmly in the playoff race. Manning’s leadership and poise were on full display, especially after missing practice early in the week. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt, also 7–2, took a tough loss but remains a contender despite back-to-back defeats against Alabama and Texas.
This one had it all — explosive plays, clutch defense, late drama, and a quarterback proving he’s back to full strength. For Texas fans, this win wasn’t just about the scoreline — it was about resilience, redemption, and a team that’s starting to believe again.
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