4 Takeaways From Texas' SEC Win Over Vanderbilt

Arch Manning was questionable. Texas needed a win. And the Longhorns’ star quarterback delivered.

After spending the week in the concussion protocol following an injury against Mississippi State, Manning suited up against Vanderbilt and put together arguably the best performance of his season. His heroics led No. 20 Texas to a thrilling 34-31 victory, keeping the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Here are four takeaways from the Longhorns' win over Vanderbilt:

1. Texas QB Arch Manning needed a game like this

He’s the most recognizable name in college football, and the preseason accolades said it all: Heisman Trophy favorite. Preseason All-American. Projected No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The list went on. But after a slow start to his redshirt sophomore campaign, the hype began to fade — and the questions began to surface.

Is Arch Manning really that good?

Matching the legend surrounding his name felt almost impossible. He needed a big game on a big stage — not just to rebuild his own confidence, but to remind everyone why the hype existed in the first place. And on Saturday, against a top-10 opponent, he delivered.

Longhorn fans inside DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium felt it from the opening snap, when Manning hit sophomore wideout Ryan Wingo for a 75-yard touchdown strike to ignite the crowd and set the tone for the day.

Manning finished 25-of-33 for 328 yards and three touchdowns in the Longhorns’ 34-31 win.

Judging by Saturday’s performance, the answer to that question is clear — yes. Arch Manning is that good.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

2. The Longhorns needed a game