Arch Manning delivered an early spark with two touchdown passes, but the top-ranked Texas Longhorns had to grind out a 30-6 win over UTSA on Saturday night in Austin. Manning completed 17 of 33 passes for 164 yards, absorbing several hard hits from the Roadrunners’ defense before leaving the game about halfway through the fourth quarter.
The victory moved Texas to 3-0, though the level of competition is about to rise sharply. Next week, the Longhorns open Southeastern Conference play with a trip to Knoxville to face No. 15 Tennessee, which improved to 3-0 on Saturday with a 42-9 rout of Kennesaw State.
Fast Start, Then a Struggle for Manning
Manning’s night began brightly. On the first play of the game, Rasheem Biles intercepted a UTSA pass, setting up wide receiver Cam Coleman’s first touchdown. Coleman struck again in the second quarter, making a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone to put Texas ahead 17-3.
After that, Manning largely labored. He missed open receivers and overthrew others, took several hard hits on scrambles, and had his helmet knocked off by a violent collision in the second quarter.
Defense and Kicking Carry the Longhorns
Gianni Spetic kicked three field goals, helping Texas take a 23-6 lead into the fourth quarter. Freshman Derrick Cooper scored his first career touchdown on a run with less than nine minutes remaining.
The Texas defense picked up where it left off after a dominant second half against Ohio State. The Longhorns limited UTSA to just 143 total yards and kept the Roadrunners out of the end zone.
What's Next
Texas travels to Tennessee next week for its SEC opener. UTSA, meanwhile, hosts Colorado State next Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
