Texas rallies to beat Mississippi 34-27 after surrendering 21-point lead

Arch Manning threw a touchdown pass and recorded his first two rushing scores of the season, including the fourth-quarter tiebreaker, as No. 19 Texas held on for a 34-27 victory over seventh-ranked Mississippi after blowing a 21-point lead on Saturday night.

Texas quarterback Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian responded to criticism stemming from recent losses to unranked opponents, noting the team’s need for improvement. > "I would be the first one to tell you we were not perfect tonight," Sarkisian said, adding that penalties and turnovers had cost the Longhorns opportunities.

Raleek Brown contributed 157 rushing yards, highlighted by a 47-yard run that set up Manning’s one-yard touchdown run, giving Texas a 31-24 lead after a fake handoff. Ole Miss rallied late, recovering an onside kick and advancing to the end zone, but a final-play pass intended for Trinidad Chambliss was intercepted by Jelani McDonald.

Mississippi’s comeback included two touchdown passes from Chambliss to Horatio Fields, narrowing the gap after a fumble recovery by Kam Franklin in the end zone. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy left the game with a shoulder injury, and Texas receiver Cam Coleman dropped a 59-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and later exited with a shoulder injury.

Both teams highlighted discipline issues; Texas incurred a season-high 14 penalties for 134 yards, while Ole Miss noted missed opportunities on a fake punt that could have extended their lead before halftime. Texas will conclude its home schedule against Mississippi State next Saturday, and Ole Miss hosts Auburn the following week.