Arch Manning gave the top-ranked Texas Longhorns an early spark by throwing two touchdown passes Saturday night in Austin, but the star quarterback struggled for much of the game as Texas beat UTSA 30-6.
Manning finished the night with 164 passing yards, completing just 17 of 33 passes. He absorbed multiple hard hits from UTSA defenders before leaving the game about halfway through the fourth quarter.
The victory improved Texas to 3-0, but this season’s challenge will intensify next week when the Longhorns open Southeastern Conference play.
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Texas travels to Knoxville next week to face No. 15 Tennessee in its SEC opener. The Volunteers dominated Kennesaw State 42-9 on Saturday to improve to 3-0.
Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman’s first touchdown came after a Texas interception by Rasheem Biles on the first play of the game. His second, on a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone, put Texas ahead 17-3 in the second quarter.
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Gianni Spetic kicked three field goals, and Texas led 23-6 entering the fourth quarter. Freshman Derrick Cooper scored his first career touchdown on a run with less than nine minutes left on the clock.
Manning largely struggled after his fast start. He missed open receivers and wildly overthrew others. He took several hard hits on scrambles and had his helmet knocked off by a violent collision in the second quarter.
The Texas defense picked up where it left off after its dominant second half against Ohio State. The Longhorns allowed just 143 total yards and kept the Roadrunners out of the end zone.
UTSA hosts Colorado State next Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.