The Texas Longhorns won first ever game in the Southeastern Conference, defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 35-13. While the win wasn’t exactly picture-perfect, SEC victories are almost always hard-fought. Mississippi State was the inferior team and made the Texas earn the win. Let’s get into the grades from a game that saw theBulldogs hang around until the Longhorns pulled away in the second half.
Offense: C+
Arch Manning and the Texas offense had their moments but in the end they earn a C+, primarily due to the self-inflicted mistakes. Running back Jaydon Blue had two fumbles. One occurred in the red zone and the other around midfield. The turnovers didn’t cost the Longhorns the game but they more than likely cost them points. Johntay Cook also dropped what would have been a 62 yard touchdown pass from Manning in the first half. Conservatively, those 3 plays took 17 points off the scoreboard. That’s significant and against a better team, it could have turned a win into a loss.
The Texas offensive line had two more penalties, both coming from the right side. DJ Campbell and Cam Williams each were flagged for a false start each. That needs to get cleaned up in the bye week. It’s been a constant this season and must change or it will cost them against teams like Oklahoma and Georgia. It wasn’t all bad though. Arch Manning had the best best outing of his career, going 26/31 with 2 passing touchdowns to accompany one on the ground.
Defense: A-
Pete Kwiatkowski’s group had their first real struggles this season on Saturday. The Bulldogs had over 20 minutes in time of possession in the first half. When you can’t make stops to get off the field it can break you over the course of a game. Luckily Mississippi State struggled to convert drives into touchdowns, but should it happen again in the future, the Longhorns have problems. Texas has been great on 3rd down so far this year, but time will tell if this was a one-game anomaly or not.
The Longhorn defense was put in some unfavorable positions by the Texas offense and special teams unit but they made the most of it. The defense was able to carry the offense much like the offense has picked up the defense in previous years under Steve Sarkisian. Following Blue’s second fumble, Vernon Broughton was able to get a strip sack and get the Longhorns the ball back. Regardless, the defense only gave up one TD (in which a massive hold was missed by the officials). The Texas defense is still an elite unit, but they will be tested in the next two games against the Oklahoma Sooners and Georgia Bulldogs.
Special Teams: C-
Special teams once again wasn’t asked to do much but they weren’t spectacular when they were on the field. Michael Kern’s blocked punt in the second quarter provided life for Mississippi State and led to a Bulldog field goal. Punt protection needs to improve as it will be severely tested moving forward. Kern’s other punt was also less-than-stellar, traveling just 40 yards and landing outside the 20 yard line.
kicker Bert Auburn once again had a quiet day outside of extra points. Auburn attempted a 49 yard field goal which bounced off the uprights and ended up being good. Sarkisian ended up taking the points off the board thanks to a Mississippi State penalty which left Texas with a 4th and 3. Texas failed to convert and turned the ball over on downs. Auburn has had a limited number of field goal attempts this year thanks to the efficiency of the offense, and he will have more opportunities as the season progresses.
