Arch Manning leads No. 1 Texas to dominating win over UL Monroe

In Austin, Texas, Arch Manning showcased his skills in his first career start for the Longhorns, throwing for 258 yards alongside two touchdowns and two interceptions. This strong performance led No. 1 Texas to a decisive 51-3 victory over UL Monroe, improving their record to 4-0. Manning took over for the injured Quinn Ewers, who was sidelined due to an oblique strain incurred during the team’s previous win against UTSA.

Manning’s game began with an interception on his opening drive, which could have rattled a less experienced player. However, he quickly recovered, leading Texas to score touchdowns on six of his ten drives. When he exited the game early in the fourth quarter, the Longhorns had built a commanding 44-3 advantage. Completing 15 of his 29 attempts, Manning demonstrated poise and capability in what was a high-pressure situation as the team’s first game ranked at the top of the AP Top 25 since 2008.

The Longhorns’ offense thrived, but Manning was not alone in his efforts. Running back Jaydon Blue provided significant support, rushing for 124 yards and contributing a remarkable four touchdowns throughout the game. The Texas defense was equally formidable, holding UL Monroe’s General Booty and his offensive unit to a mere 111 total yards, averaging just 2.2 yards per play. This defensive dominance complemented the offense well and showcased Texas’s strengths in all facets of the game.

While Manning stepped up significantly in the absence of Ewers, the Longhorns are optimistic about their starter’s potential return. Ewers, who had performed impressively in earlier games, including a lopsided 56-7 victory over UTSA, will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. The coaching staff is hopeful that he could make a comeback in time for the upcoming SEC debut against Mississippi State.

Manning has already made a mark in recent outings, sharing SEC Freshman of the Week honors after a previous game where he compiled 276 total yards and five touchdowns against UTSA while filling in for Ewers. His ability to connect on eight passes of 15 yards or more against UL Monroe speaks to his growing confidence and skill level. Among these passes were two impressive longer completions: a 56-yarder to Isaiah Bond and a 46-yard throw to Matthew Golden.

Looking ahead, after facing Mississippi State in their first SEC conference game, the Longhorns will enjoy a bye week. This will give the team a chance to rest and regroup before they face No. 15 Oklahoma and then a critical showdown against No. 2 Georgia in consecutive weeks. This challenging stretch will test the resilience and depth of the Longhorns roster.

As the season unfolds, Arch Manning’s role will be crucial for Texas, especially if Quinn Ewers remains sidelined for an extended period. Manning’s performance against UL Monroe could boost his confidence moving forward as he takes command of the Longhorns offense. The combination of a strong running game, solid defense, and a developing quarterback could set the foundation for a promising season ahead.