4 Instant Takeaways: Texas Longhorns Stun LSU in Final Seconds With 22-21 Win
Manning Delivers at the End
Texas trailed LSU before Arch Manning found Raleek Brown for a four-yard touchdown with three seconds remaining. The score gave the Longhorns a 22-21 victory in Baton Rouge.
Manning made the key throws when the game was on the line, though the account says he will need to improve if Texas is to reach the College Football Playoff. The win leaves the team with reason to celebrate for now.
Defense Keeps Texas Close
After allowing several big plays in the first half, Texas limited LSU to seven points after halftime. The Tigers did not score in the fourth quarter after leading 21-10 with 5:52 left in the third.
McDonald led a defense that generated three interceptions and timely three-and-outs. Texas scored no points directly off those takeaways, but the defense kept the Longhorns within reach.
McDonald Has Career Night
Jelani McDonald recorded 11 total tackles and three interceptions, the best performance of his career. The account describes his rise from low on the depth chart to one of the country’s top safeties.
His turnovers helped give Texas a chance despite the offense’s inability to convert them into points. The late touchdown ultimately made the defensive effort count in the result.
Win Eases Past Heartbreak
Texas had suffered late red-zone failures in its 2023 loss to Washington and 2024 loss to Ohio State, both in the College Football Playoff. Saturday’s finish does not erase those defeats, but it offers some relief for Longhorns fans.
Texas also dealt with travel disruption before the game: a nationwide FAA ground stoppage delayed the team’s departure from Austin on Friday night. The Longhorns landed in Louisiana around midnight, less than 24 hours before kickoff.
Key points
- Texas defeated LSU 22-21 on a touchdown with three seconds remaining.
- Arch Manning threw the winning four-yard pass to Raleek Brown.
- Jelani McDonald finished with 11 tackles and three interceptions.
- LSU scored no points in the fourth quarter.