Arch Manning ignited an explosive offensive showcase with four touchdowns while a relentless defense forced three turnovers, signaling the Longhorns' dominant arrival as a national title contender.
The Texas Longhorns didn't leave much room for drama.
No. 5 Texas overwhelmed Texas State 59-7 in its season opener in Austin on Saturday, with Arch Manning throwing four touchdown passes, the Longhorns forcing three turnovers and the backups taking over before the third quarter ended.
FIRST QUARTER:
Texas State punted on its opening possession before Hollywood Smothers immediately broke a 45-yard run to the Bobcats' 11.
Manning finished the four-play drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Cam Coleman.
Texas forced a turnover on downs on the Bobcats' next possession before Manning struck again. He converted fourth-and-3 to Ryan Wingo, found him for another 21 yards and eventually connected with Wingo for an 8-yard touchdown.
Texas State reached the Texas 4 before the quarter ended with the Longhorns leading 14-0.
FIRST QUARTER TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hollywood Smothers provided the spark - Smothers' 45-yard run on Texas' first offensive snap immediately changed the game. He accounted for 50 yards on the opening touchdown drive.
2. Ryan Wingo quickly became Manning's guy - Wingo caught three passes for 32 yards on Texas' second touchdown drive, including a fourth-down conversion and the score.
3. Texas' defense made the important stops - Texas State's first two possessions ended with a punt and turnover on downs.
SECOND QUARTER:
Texas State opened the quarter by missing a 24-yard field goal.
Texas responded with a 13-play, 80-yard drive capped by Raleek Brown's 13-yard touchdown run.
Rasheem Biles then forced a T. Atkins fumble, and Graceson Littleton returned it 59 yards for another touchdown.
Texas State answered with a 75-yard touchdown drive before Manning drove Texas back into scoring range. R. Nolan intercepted him in the end zone just before halftime.
SECOND QUARTER TAKEAWAYS:
1. Wingo kept rolling - Wingo piled up 121 receiving yards in the first half, including a 45-yard reception on Texas' final possession.
2. Texas found multiple ways to score - The Longhorns produced explosive plays, an 80-yard touchdown drive and a defensive score while building a 28-7 advantage.
3. Texas State found some explosives - The Bobcats produced drives of 82 and 75 yards during the half. Texas kept the damage to seven points.
THIRD QUARTER:
Manning opened the half by finding Coleman for gains of 44 and 20 yards, with the latter going for a touchdown.
Maraad Watson then forced a Brad Jackson fumble that Colin Simmons recovered. Manning eventually found Smothers for a 13-yard touchdown.
Biles intercepted Jackson on Texas State's next possession, and KJ Lacey Jr. entered at quarterback. Three plays later, Brown scored from 21 yards out.
Texas led 49-7 entering the fourth.
THIRD QUARTER TAKEAWAYS:
1. Manning responded immediately - His first half ended with an interception. He followed it with touchdown passes on each of his two third-quarter possessions, giving him four for the afternoon.
2. Texas turned turnovers into a rout - Consecutive Texas State possessions ended with a fumble and interception. Texas turned both into touchdowns.
3. Smothers did a little bit of everything - His afternoon began with a 45-yard run and eventually included Manning's fourth touchdown pass.
FOURTH QUARTER:
Texas State missed another field goal before Lacey led a 12-play, 50-yard possession that ended with G. Spetic's 48-yard field goal.
The Longhorns forced a turnover on downs and converted the short field when James Simon scored from 7 yards out.
Texas State ran out the remaining clock, sealing the 59-7 victory.
FOURTH QUARTER TAKEAWAYS:
1. The backups got meaningful work - Lacey played the final quarter-plus while Texas worked several reserves into the offense.
2. Texas' defense finished strong - Texas State's second-half possessions produced zero points, with the Longhorns forcing two turnovers along the way.
3. Texas handled its business - Manning threw four touchdowns, Texas forced three turnovers and the Longhorns scored 31 unanswered points after Texas State's only touchdown.
Texas won't have long to enjoy this one.
The Longhorns welcome Ohio State to Austin next Saturday for the third meeting between the programs in as many seasons, with the Buckeyes having won each of the previous two.
A 59-7 opener gave Texas plenty to feel good about … now comes an opportunity to finally return the favor.
