Texas' Arch Manning's six-touchdown spectacle, including a reception, sparks Texas' dramatic victory, igniting playoff hopes against all odds.
Arch Manning delivered the most electric performance of his Texas career, accounting for six total touchdowns as No. 17 Texas outgunned Arkansas 52-37 on Saturday to keep a faint, but very real, College Football Playoff dream alive.
The Longhorns entered the season ranked No. 1, stumbled early, and have spent the back half clawing their way back into relevance. Manning made sure that the climb continued.
He became the first quarterback in Texas history to throw, run, and catch a touchdown in the same game, showcasing just how far he's come from the shaky 3-2 start that had critics circling.
Manning threw for a career-best 389 yards and four touchdowns, including three strikes to DeAndre Moore Jr., whose chemistry with the sophomore QB continues to heat up.
Manning's touchdown reception, yes, reception, came on a reverse pass from Parker Livingstone, who placed it just high enough for Manning to twist his 6-4 frame and haul it in like a tight end. Livingstone added a 54-yard TD catch for good measure.
Texas led 24-20 at halftime but seized control early in the third when Manning made two defenders miss on a 31-20 touchdown run.
Moments later, Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green threw a costly interception, and Manning immediately cashed it in with another dime to Moore in the back of the end zone.
Arkansas fought early behind Green and RB Mike Washington, cutting the game close before halftime. But their misery continued as they dropped their ninth straight game in a season that saw Sam Pittman fired after a string of narrow losses.
Texas wasn't without concerns as star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. missed the game with a hand injury, and the Longhorns' defense has now surrendered 30-plus points in three straight contests.
That's less than ideal with No. 3 Texas A&M's national-title contender offense coming to Austin on Friday.
But for now, Texas survives and advances.
Manning is peaking at the perfect moment, and the Longhorns get their shot. Beat the Aggies, and they'll have a real argument for a third straight playoff appearance.