College Football1 hour ago2 minute read

Texas Survives Ole Miss Comeback to Stop Losing Streak

Texas built a big halftime lead and barely held off Ole Miss in a 34-27 win to avoid a third straight defeat.

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Longhorns hold on after blowing big lead

Texas stopped its two game losing streak with a 34-27 win against Ole Miss on Saturday night in Austin. The Longhorns built a 24-3 lead at halftime before the Rebels stormed back to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

Arch Manning threw a touchdown pass and ran for two scores. His one yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter broke a 24-24 tie. That scoring play was set up by a 47 yard run from Raleek Brown, who finished the night with 157 rushing yards.

Wild second half keeps Rebels alive

The second half started with immediate drama. Blake Purchase hit Manning on his blind side, forcing a fumble. Kam Franklin recovered the ball in the end zone for an Ole Miss touchdown.

On the next possession, Franklin sacked Manning on third down. Manning went to the sideline for a medical check, and backup KJ Lacey Jr. came in for one play before Manning returned on the next series.

Trinidad Chambliss threw two second half touchdown passes to Horatio Fields, including a 27 yard catch that tied the score at 24. Texas committed 14 penalties for 121 yards, which were season highs that helped keep Ole Miss drives moving.

It was a rough night for Texas receiver Cam Coleman. He dropped a 59 yard touchdown pass early in the game and hurt his left shoulder on a diving attempt in the second half.

Late interception secures Texas victory

Late in the game, Texas held a 10 point cushion. However, receiver Emmett Mosley IV missed an onside kick attempt, allowing Ole Miss to recover the ball.

With time running out, Chambliss threw a pass into the end zone on the final play. Jelani McDonald intercepted the ball to seal the win for Texas.

The victory helped head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns recover after dropping from the top spot in recent weeks. Texas now sits at 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, while Ole Miss fell to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the conference.

What it means for the next game

Auburn Tigers at Ole Miss Rebels (College Football, Sat, 31 Oct): Ole Miss Rebels win 78%, Auburn Tigers win 22%; projected score Ole Miss Rebels 33, Auburn Tigers 22. Our safest pick: Ole Miss to win.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Texas Longhorns (College Football, Sat, 31 Oct): Texas Longhorns win 89%, Mississippi State Bulldogs win 11%; projected score Texas Longhorns 35, Mississippi State Bulldogs 16. Our safest pick: Mississippi St +30.5.