Takeaways Following a Thrilling 22-21 Texas Win Over LSU

One thing about this 2026 Texas team: It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final whistle. The Longhorns have their flaws, but one of their most important traits is the clutch gene. It has shown up time and time again, and it did so again on Saturday night in Death Valley.

Regardless of how the rest of the season unfolds, we can all appreciate the heart and fight this Texas team has shown.

Arch Manning Will Fight Until the End

There are certainly areas where Arch Manning can improve. That said, he is as tough a competitor as you will find at the quarterback position. Manning threw three interceptions Saturday, yet when plays had to be made late, he made them.

He takes a beating every week, but gets up time and time again. His late-game quarterback sweep for a first down was another example. After absorbing hits all game, Manning took another hard shot and popped right back up.

Manning later missed Jermaine Bishop on what would have been a touchdown, but he didn’t let that rattle him. His game-winning touchdown pass to Raleek Brown was a more difficult throw than people may realize. He had to hit Brown in stride, and he did.

That final drive showed the guts Manning and this offense have. You can knock them down, but they will keep getting back up.

The Texas Defense Can Take This Team Far

This was probably the worst game the Texas defense has played all season. That alone says plenty about how good this unit is.

LSU gained 366 yards, and Texas struggled to get off the field on third down through the first three quarters. Even so, the Tigers scored just 21 points. Given how well LSU moved the ball for much of the night, limiting that offense to three touchdowns was an accomplishment.

Forcing three more turnovers was especially impressive considering that, a month ago, everyone was wondering when the takeaways would come. A tip of the cap goes to Jelani McDonald, who has been playing lights out. Three interceptions on the road in a big game is a remarkable feat. Keep playing like this, and McDonald should hear his name called early in the NFL draft.

Then there was the defense’s fourth-quarter performance. LSU had four possessions and managed just one first down and one total yard. That is a staggering turnaround considering how effectively the Tigers moved the ball through the first three quarters.

After its opening drive, the Texas offense struggled for much of the night. The defense kept answering the call, giving the offense a chance to deliver when it mattered most. That is complementary football, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed.