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Published on 10/26/2025
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Longhorns Stage Miraculous Comeback, Stun Mississippi State in Overtime Thriller
Longhorns Stage Miraculous Comeback, Stun Mississippi State in Overtime Thriller :
In a stunning display of grit and determination, the No. 22 Texas Longhorns orchestrated a monumental comeback to defeat Mississippi State 45-38 in an overtime thriller on October 25, 2025, in Starkville. This dramatic victory saw Texas overcome a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. The atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium was electric, with Bulldogs fans sensing a major upset, only for the Longhorns to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for Mississippi State, who held a commanding lead late in the contest. For the Bulldogs, this loss extended their agonizing conference losing streak to 16 games, a tough pill to swallow after dominating much of the game. Texas, on the other hand, celebrated a victory that head coach Steve Sarkisian hailed as a true 'culture win,' praising his team's unwavering belief.
Arch Manning's Fourth-Quarter Resurgence and Overtime Heroics :
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning delivered a defining performance, particularly in the critical fourth quarter and overtime. After a challenging three quarters where he faced relentless pressure and an interception, Manning found his rhythm when it mattered most. He finished the game with a career-high 346 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.
Manning's leadership was instrumental in sparking the Texas offense's late surge. He orchestrated multiple scoring drives, including a crucial 21-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley IV that cut the deficit, and a red-zone strike to Parker Livingstone in overtime for the go-ahead score. Despite appearing to suffer an injury in overtime, Manning's resilience and offensive brilliance ultimately carried Texas to victory.
Mississippi State's Heartbreak: A Lead Squandered :
For the Mississippi State Bulldogs, this game will be remembered as a devastating missed opportunity. Holding a 38-21 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs had a 98.6% chance of victory, according to ESPN's analytics. However, they allowed Texas to score 24 unanswered points, culminating in a soul-crushing overtime defeat.
Quarterback Blake Shapen had a statistically impressive outing, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Davon Booth also contributed significantly with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown. Despite these strong individual performances and a formidable defensive effort for much of the game, the Bulldogs couldn't seal the deal, extending their difficult run in conference play under second-year head coach Jeff Lebby.
Key Plays and Turning Points: The Longhorns' Late Surge :
The tide began to turn dramatically in the fourth quarter. After a 21-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Mosley IV, kicker Mason Shipley converted a 26-yard field goal, bringing Texas within seven points. The true game-changer, however, was freshman Ryan Niblett's electrifying 79-yard punt return touchdown with less than two minutes remaining, which sensationally tied the game at 38-38.
In overtime, after an apparent injury to Arch Manning, backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell stepped in. Caldwell connected with Emmett Mosley V for a 10-yard touchdown, giving Texas its first lead since the second quarter. On Mississippi State's ensuing possession, edge rusher Ethan Burke's crucial sack and forced fumble, recovered by Texas, sealed the dramatic 45-38 victory.
Season Outlook and Future Matchups :
With this hard-fought victory, Texas improved its record to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the SEC, maintaining their aspirations for a strong season and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Their upcoming schedule includes a home game against Vanderbilt on November 1st, followed by challenging road matchups against Georgia and Arkansas later in November.
Mississippi State, now 4-4 overall and 0-4 in the SEC, faces an uphill battle to salvage their season. The Bulldogs will look to break their conference losing streak in their next game against Arkansas, another team struggling in the SEC. The resilience shown in stretches against Texas offers a glimmer of hope, but consistency will be key for Jeff Lebby's squad moving forward.
A Glimpse at the Historical Rivalry (Football & Basketball) :
While the recent football clash captivated audiences, the overall athletic history between Texas and Mississippi State is not extensive but has seen some notable contests. In football, prior to the 2025 matchup, Texas held a 3-2 all-time record against Mississippi State, including a 35-13 victory in 2024. These infrequent matchups have often provided intriguing cross-conference tests.
Beyond the gridiron, the basketball programs have also crossed paths. The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team has a more favorable historical record against Mississippi State, holding a 6-3 lead in their nine matchups between 1960 and 2025. The most recent basketball encounter saw Texas secure an 87-82 victory on March 4, 2025. While not a traditional rivalry, each game between these two institutions adds another chapter to their shared athletic narrative.
Injuries and Impact on Team Dynamics :
The intense battle also saw some significant injury concerns for Texas. Starting quarterback Arch Manning appeared to suffer an injury in overtime after a 13-yard scramble, requiring him to leave the field. While he was able to exit under his own power, the extent of his injury, which SEC Network reporter Alyssa Lang described as potentially 'woozy,' remains an ongoing storyline for the Longhorns.
Additionally, Texas starting right guard DJ Campbell left the game in the first quarter after being rolled up on, though he later returned in the second quarter. Such injuries in crucial positions can significantly impact a team's performance and depth, making Texas's comeback even more impressive given the potential setbacks they faced during the game. The resilience to overcome these challenges speaks volumes about the team's mental fortitude.