A Decisive First Half
The Texas Longhorns established control early and never looked back in their season opener, defeating the Texas State Bobcats 59-7 at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game was effectively decided in the first half, where Texas outscored its opponent 28-0, building an insurmountable lead before the third quarter began.
Arch Manning orchestrated the offense with precision, connecting on four touchdown passes to set the tone immediately. His first strike came in the opening period when he found Cam Coleman for a 6-yard score, putting Texas ahead 7-0. Manning followed that up later in the first quarter by throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo, extending the lead to 14-0.
The second quarter saw the Longhorns add three more scores without response from the visitors. Raleek Brown capped a drive with a 13-yard run, making it 21-0. Shortly after, defensive pressure forced a turnover that was capitalized on by Graceson Littleton, who returned a fumble 59 yards for a touchdown, pushing the margin to 28-0.
Bobcats Find Limited Success
Texas State managed to get on the board late in the second quarter. Davian Jackson broke through the defensive line for a 4-yard rushing touchdown, with Dylan Cunanan adding the extra point. The score stood at 28-7 when the teams headed to the locker rooms for halftime.
Third Quarter Surge
The Longhorns continued their offensive assault in the third period, racking up 21 points while holding Texas State scoreless. Manning connected with Cam Coleman again, this time on a 20-yard pass, to make it 35-7. Hollywood Smothers then caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Manning, bringing the total to 42-7.
Raleek Brown added his second rushing touchdown of the game on a 21-yard run, further widening the gap to 49-7. The scoring flurry demonstrated Texas's depth and speed, leaving little hope for a comeback.
