AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) — Texas faces a pivotal matchup as the Longhorns prepare to take on No. 7 Mississippi at home Saturday night after back-to-back losses.
The Longhorns, who sat atop the rankings just two weeks ago, have seen their momentum shift after close defeats against Oklahoma and Florida. Last week, Texas fell to Florida 27-24 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, following up a narrow 27-24 loss to Oklahoma in Dallas during the Red River Rivalry, which ended their unbeaten start and placed them at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Southeastern Conference.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that Arch Manning will start against Mississippi, a nod to Manning’s family connection to the Rebels. Questions about Manning’s role grew after he fumbled late in the loss to Florida and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown against Oklahoma.
Mississippi comes to Austin with a 5-1 record and a 3-1 mark in SEC play. After losing to Florida earlier this month, the Rebels have rebounded, most recently holding Missouri running back Jamal Roberts—the conference’s leading rusher—to 39 yards. That could test a Texas running game that has struggled.
Texas limited Florida’s ground game last week but couldn’t overcome costly mistakes late in the game. The Longhorns will look to clean up those errors and get back on track against a ranked conference opponent.
The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Stay with CBS Austin for coverage of the game, and follow CBS Austin Sports Director Bob Ballou for updates.