Arch Manning shines in Texas blowout over Sam Houston State, taunts defender after TD
Manning throws for 309 yards, three TDs and two rushing scores as Texas routs Sam Houston State 55-0; Longhorns drop to No. 10 in the AP Top 25
Texas quarterback Arch Manning completed 18 of 21 passes for 309 yards and three touchdown passes, and added two rushing touchdowns in a 55-0 win over Sam Houston State on Saturday. He capped a nine-play, 60-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds left in the first quarter.
After reaching the end zone, Manning spun off a Bearkats defender and taunted him, drawing a brief skirmish before players returned to their sidelines.
Texas senior safety Michael Taaffe said Manning "got his swagger back." "Everybody knew that it was in there. What he showed tonight is what we expect," Taaffe added. Manning acknowledged the taunt could have drawn a penalty, saying, "Probably a little much there. My mom was pretty mad about it."
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Manning played looser, which allowed him to throw more and use his legs. "When he plays a little looser and he’s free, that’s the best version of Arch. He got going and started throwing the ball. Started using his legs. You could feel the bounce in his step on the field." He noted that Manning looked different than the first three weeks of the season, when he struggled against San Jose State and UTEP but appeared more confident against Sam Houston State.
On Sunday, Texas dropped to No. 10 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. The Longhorns are 3-1 on the season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
