Arch Manning's Turnovers Sink No. 1 Texas in Red River Rivalry Loss to Oklahoma
Prized quarterback Arch Manning threw two critical fourth-quarter interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, as the undefeated Texas Longhorns fell to rival Oklahoma 27-24.
The top-ranked Texas Longhorns are no longer undefeated after two costly interceptions by prized quarterback Arch Manning contributed to a 27-24 loss against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. The defeat ended Texas' perfect season and potentially derailed Manning's Heisman Trophy aspirations.
Manning's final interception occurred with 19 seconds remaining in regulation. Oklahoma sophomore cornerback Courtland Guillory intercepted a pass intended for Texas receiver Cam Coleman. This set up Sooners quarterback John Mateer to complete two passes, moving Oklahoma into position for Tate Sandell's game-winning field goal as time expired.
For Manning, whose first major college win came against a sixth-ranked Oklahoma team last season, Saturday's defeat could derail a once-promising Heisman Trophy campaign. The grandson of New Orleans Saints legend Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl winners Peyton and Eli, Arch completed 19 of 31 passes for 260 yards against Oklahoma. Despite throwing three touchdowns, his two fourth-quarter interceptions proved pivotal in Texas' fall to a 4-1 record.
The first critical interception came shortly after Oklahoma tied the game at 17 early in the fourth quarter. After a series of three-and-outs, Manning received the ball on Texas' 23-yard line with 11:22 to play. Following a 10-yard holding penalty, Manning, while escaping the pass rush, threw an interception to Oklahoma's Peyton Bowen, who returned it 42 yards for a touchdown.
The rivalry's intensity spilled over after the game when Oklahoma players flashed the 'horns down' hand signal. This gesture ignited a near-altercation with the Texas players, which was de-escalated by Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.
Manning faced significant online criticism following the loss. Once the nation's top recruit out of Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Manning now has three interceptions on the season to complement his seven touchdowns.
"Arch Manning makes some knuckleheaded mistakes," one fan commented on X. Another wrote, "Hate to say it, but Arch is overrated & has so much to learn. His field awareness is is puzzling."
One fan speculated about Manning's future, suggesting, "Looking like another year in college for young Arch Manning," implying he might not enter the NFL draft in the upcoming year.
The schedule ahead presents further challenges for the Longhorns as they navigate the SEC. Upcoming matchups include games against No. 16 Florida, No. 9 Ole Miss, No. 17 Mississippi State, and No. 10 LSU, in addition to November contests against rivals Arkansas and Texas A&M.