Texas Vs. Ole Miss: Longhorns Survive Wild Comeback To Upset No. 7 Rebels

No. 19 Texas appeared to be in complete control of its Texas vs. Ole Miss showdown on Saturday night. However, the Longhorns nearly squandered a 21-point lead before escaping with a much-needed victory over the No. Seven Rebels.

Behind a clutch performance from quarterback Arch Manning and a dominant rushing attack, Texas defeated Ole Miss 34-27 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Oct. 24. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak. It gave the Longhorns a much-needed win against a ranked Southeastern Conference opponent.

The game was anything but comfortable for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. Texas surrendered a 21-point halftime lead before regaining control late in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns ultimately survived a frantic finish to improve to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play.

For Ole Miss, the loss dropped the Rebels to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Despite a remarkable second-half comeback, Mississippi could not complete the upset on the road.

Texas Vs Ole Miss: Arch Manning Delivers When Texas Needs Him Most

Manning entered Saturday’s matchup facing pressure to deliver after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida. The young quarterback responded with one of his most important performances of the season.

The Texas quarterback finished with 212 passing yards, one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his legs proved especially important when the Longhorns needed an answer late in the game.

Texas took control early, leading 10-3 after Manning scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter. The Longhorns continued building their advantage in the second quarter. Manning connected with Ryan Wingo for a 50-yard touchdown, giving Texas a 17-3 lead. A two-yard rushing score from Michael Terry III extended the advantage to 24-3 before halftime.

For much of the first half, Texas looked like the more complete team. The Longhorns moved the ball effectively, controlled possession, and limited Ole Miss offensively. Manning and the Texas offense appeared poised to put the game away. Instead, the Rebels mounted a comeback that threatened to derail the Longhorns’ night.

Texas Vs Ole Miss: Ole Miss Rallies From 21 Points Down

Ole Miss entered halftime trailing 24-3, but the Rebels refused to go quietly. The comeback began early in the third quarter when Blake Purchase strip-sacked Manning. Kam Franklin recovered the fumble in the end zone for a defensive touchdown, cutting the deficit to 24-10.

The turnover completely changed the game’s momentum. Ole Miss continued applying pressure on the next possession, putting together a scoring drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown reception by Horatio Fields. Suddenly, the Rebels trailed by only seven points.

Texas struggled to regain its first-half rhythm as penalties and costly mistakes repeatedly extended Ole Miss possessions. The Rebels completed their comeback early in the fourth quarter. Trinidad Chambliss connected with Fields on a 27-yard touchdown reception, tying the game at 24-24.

Chambliss finished with 250 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Fields caught both scoring passes, providing the spark Ole Miss needed to erase the deficit. For Texas, the situation was becoming uncomfortably familiar.

The Longhorns had entered the matchup coming off losses to Oklahoma and Florida, both of which saw Texas surrender leads. Another collapse would have intensified questions about Sarkisian’s team and their ability to close out games. Fortunately for the Longhorns, Manning delivered when the game was on the line.

Texas Vs Ole Miss: Raleek Brown and Texas’ Defense Make the Difference

After Ole Miss tied the game, Texas needed its offense to respond. Manning provided the finishing touch, scoring on a one-yard quarterback keeper with 8:04 remaining in the fourth quarter. The touchdown restored Texas’ lead at 31-24 and gave the Longhorns a crucial advantage.

Running back Raleek Brown played a significant role in setting up the score. Brown finished with 157 rushing yards, including a 47-yard run that helped Texas move into scoring position. His performance gave the Longhorns an important offensive weapon when the passing game struggled to maintain consistency. Texas added a 33-yard field goal from Gianni Spetic with 2:25 remaining, extending the lead to 34-24.

Ole Miss answered with a 39-yard field goal from Lucas Carneiro, cutting the deficit to seven points with 1:22 remaining. The Rebels then recovered an onside kick to keep their comeback hopes alive.

Chambliss moved Ole Miss into Texas territory, giving the visitors one final opportunity to force overtime. With the clock winding down, the Rebels advanced toward the end zone. Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald had other plans, intercepting Chambliss’ final pass in the end zone, sealing the 34-27 victory.

McDonald finished with 12 tackles and an interception, helping lead a defense that produced three interceptions. Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer also recorded interceptions for the Longhorns. Although Texas surrendered 27 points, the defense delivered several critical plays when the game was on the line.

Texas Vs Ole Miss: What the Texas Win Means for the College Football Playoff Race

The victory provides Texas with a significant boost after their two devastating losses to previously unranked opponents.

At 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, the Longhorns still have work to do if they hope to contend for the conference championship and a College Football Playoff berth. Nevertheless, defeating a top-ten opponent will prove important when the selection committee evaluates their resume.

The performance also demonstrated the potential of Manning and the Texas offense. The Longhorns finished with 419 total yards, including 207 rushing yards, and scored on all five of their red-zone trips. Interestingly, that doesn’t mean the victory erased every concern.

Texas committed 14 penalties for 134 yards and surrendered three turnovers. Against a stronger opponent, those mistakes could prove costly. The Longhorns will need to improve their discipline and learn how to maintain quality play throughout four quarters.

For Ole Miss, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to strengthen its position in the SEC standings and the national playoff picture. The Rebels showed resilience by overcoming a 21-point deficit, but their inability to finish the comeback ultimately proved decisive. Ole Miss will need to regroup quickly as conference play continues.

End Of My Texas Vs. Ole Miss Rant

Texas will remain at home next Saturday, Oct. 31, to face Mississippi State. The Longhorns will look to build on their victory and continue climbing the SEC standings.

Ole Miss will return to Oxford to host Auburn on the same day. The Rebels will attempt to rebound from the heartbreaking loss and keep their postseason ambitions on track. Saturday’s matchup offered a reminder of just how unpredictable college football can be. Texas appeared ready to cruise to victory before nearly surrendering its lead entirely.

In the end, Manning’s late touchdown, Brown’s powerful rushing performance, and McDonald’s game-sealing interception helped the Longhorns avoid another devastating collapse in the Texas vs. Ole Miss matchup. Texas survived, and its College Football Playoff hopes remain alive.

The post Texas Vs. Ole Miss: Longhorns Survive Wild Comeback To Upset No. 7 Rebels appeared first on Stadium Rant.