Starkville, Mississippi, October 27, 2025
News Summary
In an action-packed game at Davis Wade Stadium, the Texas Longhorns overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat Mississippi State 45-38 in overtime. With quarterback Arch Manning shining in the first three quarters, Texas rallied to score 24 unanswered points, clinching their sixth win of the season. Meanwhile, Mississippi State continued to struggle, marking a staggering 16 consecutive SEC losses. This pivotal victory keeps Texas’ college football playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Vanderbilt next week.
Starkville, Mississippi
What a game it was on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium as the Texas Longhorns pulled off an incredible 45-38 overtime victory against Mississippi State! After entering the game ranked No. 22, Texas improved their overall record to 6-2 and a solid 3-1 in SEC play.
On the flip side, Mississippi State’s struggles continue as they dropped to 4-4 overall and remain winless at 0-4 in SEC play. This latest defeat marks a staggering 16 consecutive SEC losses, with 12 of those happening under coach Jeff Lebby.
Things didn’t start off smoothly for Texas, who entered Week 9 following a hair-raising 16-13 overtime win against Kentucky. But the team showed what they’re made of when quarterback Arch Manning threw for a remarkable 346 yards, connecting on 29 of 46 passes, including three touchdown tosses along with one interception. He even added a rushing touchdown early on. Manning was truly making waves until he suffered an injury while scrambling on the first play of overtime, forcing him out of the game.
Entering the fourth quarter, Texas found themselves in a daunting position, trailing 31-14. However, the Longhorns pulled off an astonishing comeback, scoring 24 unanswered points to tie the game at 38-38. A standout moment came when Ryan Niblett returned a punt for an electrifying 79-yard touchdown that shifted the game’s momentum drastically.
With Manning sidelined, Matthew Caldwell, his backup, stepped up big time, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V in overtime. This dramatic comeback has now solidified Texas’ reputation with two consecutive overtime wins, having taken down Kentucky just the week prior.
Defensively, Texas ranked 13th in the nation for total defense prior to this matchup, but they allowed a season-high 445 total yards to Mississippi State’s quarterback Blake Shapen, who completed 26 of 42 passes, racking up 381 yards and four touchdowns, including a stellar 62-yard touchdown throw to Davon Booth.
Despite the defensive struggles, Texas did manage to maintain their strong red zone defense, ranking 12th in the FBS, allowing points only 72.7% of the time when opponents reached the red zone.
Now looking ahead, Texas will face off against No. 10 Vanderbilt at home next week and will look to build on this crucial victory, which keeps their hopes alive for the college football playoffs. Meanwhile, Mississippi State’s season continues to be a tough road with only challenges ahead. Both teams demonstrated a fierce fight, and fans were certainly treated to a nail-biter of a game.
Key Takeaways:
- Texas improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in SEC play
- Mississippi State drops to 4-4 overall and 0-4 in SEC play
- Arch Manning shines with 346 passing yards and four total touchdowns before injury
- Texas comes back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter
- Texas’ defense ranks highly nationally, despite allowing 445 total yards
- Next up for Texas: a matchup against No. 10 Vanderbilt
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State game?
The final score was 45-38 in favor of the Texas Longhorns, after overtime.
What is Texas’ record now?
Texas improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in SEC play following the victory.
What were Arch Manning’s stats in the game?
Arch Manning completed 29 of 46 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Who scored the game-winning touchdown?
Matthew Caldwell threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V in overtime.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Texas Longhorns Secure Overtime Win Against Mississippi State
Texas Longhorns Rally to Beat Mississippi State in Overtime
Starkville Set to Host Showdown: Texas vs. Mississippi State
Mississippi State Volleyball Prepares for Big Matches
Starkville Prepares for SEC Showdown
Texas Longhorns vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Showdown
Mississippi State Bulldogs Aim for SEC Victory Against Texas
Texas Longhorns Prepare for Showdown with Mississippi State Bulldogs
Bulldogs Claim Early Season Victory Over Arizona State
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- Wikipedia: Arch Manning
- Sporting News
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns football
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Statesman
- Google News: Arch Manning injury
- SI
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
