Arch Manning threw a touchdown pass with just two seconds left to lift Texas over LSU 22-21 at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, November 14. The No. 6 Longhorns erased an 11-point deficit against the No. 21 Tigers to secure a narrow win in a game marked by turnovers and tense moments.
Manning, who also ran for Texas’ only rushing touchdown in the first quarter, threw three interceptions in a game where both quarterbacks struggled to protect the ball. LSU’s Sam Leavitt matched Manning with three picks of his own, all caught by Texas senior defensive back Jelani McDonald. The Longhorns’ defense forced multiple turnovers, helping keep the Tigers at bay despite the close score.
Trailing by 11 points early in the second half, Texas mounted a late drive after a two-minute timeout. Manning scrambled for a first-and-goal inside the five-yard line before finding running back Raleek Brown in the end zone for the winning touchdown. The drive capped a comeback that saw Texas recover from mistakes and pressure to seal a one-point victory.
Texas improved to 8-2 overall and 5-2 in the SEC with the win, while LSU dropped to 6-4 and 3-4 in conference play. The game was marked by sloppy moments but intense competitiveness from both teams. Texas kicker Gianni Spetic contributed with a field goal that kept the Longhorns close throughout.
Social media quickly reacted to Manning’s latest clutch performance. One fan noted, “Arch Manning has beaten 5 top 25 teams this season,” listing Ohio State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU among his scalps. Others called the game a rollercoaster of emotions, pointing to Manning’s three interceptions and game-winning touchdown as a defining moment.
Some fans suggested the win could jumpstart Manning’s career beyond college football. One wrote, “Maybe this was the game that Arch Manning jumpstarts his football career college and beyond.” Another expressed surprise at Manning’s resilience, saying, “They said Arch Manning wasn’t him. They said Steve Sarkisian wasn’t him. They said Texas wasn’t really truly back. They were wrong.”
The game featured standout individual efforts amid the turnovers. LSU’s Sam Leavitt threw two touchdown passes, but none could offset the impact of his interceptions. Texas wide receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr. made several key plays, including evading tackles and providing reliable targets for Manning.
Texas’ defense showed depth with multiple interceptions and pressure on the LSU offense. Jelani McDonald’s three interceptions tied into a larger defensive effort that disrupted Leavitt’s rhythm. The Longhorns’ ability to force turnovers proved decisive in a tightly contested matchup.
The atmosphere inside Tiger Stadium was tense throughout, with momentum swinging between the teams. Both offenses struggled to maintain consistency, but Texas’ late drive demonstrated determination under pressure. The winning touchdown pass to Raleek Brown came after Manning’s run set up the scoring opportunity inside the five-yard line.
With the victory, Texas continues to push for a stronger position in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Longhorns face critical games ahead as they aim to build on a season that has combined flashes of brilliance with moments of difficulty. Manning’s performance on Saturday, mixing mistakes with heroics, reflects the unpredictable nature of the team’s campaign this year.
LSU, meanwhile, will look to rebound from the loss and improve its standing in the SEC. The Tigers showed offensive potential but could not overcome turnovers and defensive lapses. Saturday’s loss leaves LSU with work to do as the season enters its final stretch.
Texas’ next game will be crucial as the Longhorns seek to maintain momentum. Arch Manning’s last-second touchdown pass to Raleek Brown remains the defining play from a tense game that tested both teams’ resolve.
According to Yahoo Sports.
