Through three quarters Saturday, Arch Manning looked almost identical to last year's version that faced Ohio State in Week 1.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia once again had the talented passer's number, confusing him with various coverages and forcing errant throws all over the field.
A couple of drops by Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman - including an unbelievably bad bounce leading to an interception - didn't help things, and Texas went to the fourth quarter trailing 23-3.
However, Manning shone when the lights got brightest in Austin, leading the Longhorns on a historic comeback with three straight touchdown drives to finish the game. His numbers over the final 20 minutes were staggering.
Arch Manning during the final 20 minutes tonight:
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 13, 2026
— 125 passing yards
— 33 rushing yards
— Two fourth down conversions
— Three straight touchdown drives pic.twitter.com/Lq37cmhQ7u
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian admitted he thought the early drops got Manning out of his rhythm, but once he started taking what the defense gave him and mixing in some running, things changed.
"He was willing to check the ball down, willing to use his legs, and I thought that was part of the driving force, his grit, his grit started it," Sarkisian said, according to Mary Rominger of KSAT. "I just thought it was him kind of saying, screw it, let's just go back to letting it rip and I'm going to trust these guys to go make plays."
Manning touched on last year's struggles with the Ohio State defense while celebrating on the field after the game.
"We couldn't lose to them again. I have nightmares about that game last year," Manning told ESPN's Laura Rutledge. "We're glad to get the win tonight. Go and have a good night in Austin."
Manning, and the rest of the Longhorns, certainly deserve that after an incredible performance.
