Texas QB Arch Manning throws 2 key interceptions in stunning loss to Oklahoma

DALLAS – Following an uneven performance from senior quarterback Arch Manning, the Texas football team was left looking for answers following a heartbreaking loss in the Red River Rivalry.

Manning threw three touchdown passes but his two interceptions led to 10 points for Oklahoma in the Sooners’ 27-24 win at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. With the loss, No. 1 Texas (4-1, 1-1) will likely stumble in the Associated Press poll with a home game against a Florida team that beat the Manning-led Longhorns last season set for next weekend.

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Behind 41- and 34-yard touchdown passes to Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo, Manning led Texas to a 17-7 lead at halftime at the Cotton Bowl. Manning also threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Bishop Jr. that tied the game in the fourth quarter. He finished with 260 yards on 19-of-31 passing.

But for Manning, the interceptions were the story. Early in the fourth quarter, Manning scrambled away from an Oklahoma pass rush and lofted a throw in Coleman’s direction that was intercepted by Peyton Bowen. The Oklahoma defensive back then returned that interception 42 yards for a touchdown.

For Texas, that was the first time since 2021 that an opponent had scored off an interception return.

With the game later tied in the final minute of regulation, Texas was attempting to put itself in a position to record a walk-off win over the Sooners. But Manning was intercepted on the sidelines by Courtland Guillory at Oklahoma’s 39-yard line with 19 seconds left. Oklahoma (3-2, 1-1) turned around and used two passes to march 33 yards in the other direction, and Tate Sandell kicked a 47-yard field goal as time expired to seal the win.

For the season, Manning has thrown for 1,122 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions while leading an offense that is averaging just 22.7 points per game in its three contests against Power Four teams. As of Saturday night, DraftKings listed Manning with the 12th-best Heisman Trophy odds at +5500.

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This article originally published at Texas QB Arch Manning throws 2 key interceptions in stunning loss to Oklahoma.