Arch Manning’s Late Touchdown Ends LSU Playoff Hopes

With three seconds remaining on Saturday night, Arch Manning threw a four-yard touchdown pass to secure a 22-21 victory for Texas over LSU. This crucial win in Baton Rouge keeps Texas in the race for the College Football Playoff while decisively ending LSU's playoff hopes. The No. 8 Longhorns emerged victorious from a five-point deficit late in the third quarter, having initially trailed LSU at the end of the first half.

Manning, who grew up in Texas, threw three crucial third downs during his team's final drive, starting from their own 42-yard line. He executed a five-yard pass and also ran for two first downs before executing the game-winning play. Texas' kicker Gianni Spetic had earlier kept the game alive with two field goals, 41 and 50 yards, to narrow the gap to 21-16.

The LSU runner Dilin Jones had given the Tigers a 21-10 lead with a 44-yard scoring run with 5:52 left in the third quarter, seemingly sealing the game. Texas kicker Gianni Spetic countered with two field goals, keeping the Longhorns in contention. Quarterback Arch Manning was solid despite completing only 19 of 35 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown, while throwing three interceptions.

However, LSU's Sam Leavitt had a better statistical night, throwing for 244 yards and two touchdowns, but also had three interceptions. The Tigers' missed 38-yard field goal at halftime, along with a late turnover, proved decisive in Texas' favor. This win adds to the Manning family legacy of comebacks at this iconic venue.