AUSTIN — The SEC era in Austin has officially begun, though it could’ve certainly gotten off to a smoother start.

The No. 1 Texas Longhorns kicked off conference play Saturday at home against Mississippi State, but did so without their starting quarterback. With Quinn Ewers sidelined for a second straight game, Arch Manning got the start and led Texas to a 14-6 halftime lead over the Bulldogs. He went 15 of 19 passing for 202 yards and one touchdown in the first half.

Mississippi State dominated time of possession 20:34 to 8:57 in the first half, as head coach Jeff Lebby’s game plan was clearly to keep the ball out of Manning’s hands.

The Bulldogs put together a steady opening drive that featured a heavy dose of runs, as both Van Buren and backup quarterback Chris Parson used their legs.

And on Texas’ first possession, Manning found Matthew Golden for a 22-yard gain on a comeback route that got 15 yards added on due to a facemask penalty. On the next play, he connected with Isaiah Bond for a 16-yard pickup. The Longhorns were right outside the red zone after just two plays.

Sophomore receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. appeared to have a touchdown two plays later, but his 20-yard gain was ruled short of the end zone at the one-yard line. Blue punched it on the next play for this fifth total touchdown in the last five quarters.

After a quick Bulldogs three-and-out, the Longhorns were in prime position once again after competitions of 27 and 17 yards to Bond. However, Blue made his first big miscue of the season with a fumble at the 20-yard line that Mississippi State recovered.

The Bulldogs were unable to take advantage of the takeaway and punted after seven plays. Texas was unable to do anything as well on the ensuing possession after a holding penalty on Cam Williams forced the drive to end in a three-and-out.

A partially-blocked punt by the Bulldogs set Van Buren and the offense up at the Texas 37-yard line. After gaining only 10 yards in seven plays, Mississippi State got on the board with a 45-yard field goal from Kyle Ferrie to make it a 7-3 game.

Looking to respond, the Longhorns started the next drive with a 12-yard catch-and-run from running back Quintrevion Wisner, who powered through multiple defenders. Manning then took a depp shot to Johntay Cook II, Wisner’s second cousin, two plays later on third down, but the would-be 62-yard touchdown fell through his hands. Texas punted for the second straight drive.

The Bulldogs added their second field goal on a 10-play, 64 drive to make it a 7-6 after the two-minute timeout.

Texas had one last chance to make the most of the first half, which Manning did after finding Moore Jr. for a lofting 49-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline with 29 seconds to play.

The Longhorns will get the ball to begin the second half.

Arch Manning and the top-ranked Texas Longhorns play their first official Southeast Conference game on their home field Saturday against Mississippi State. The game is scheduled to start at 4:15 p.m. ET (3:15 p.m. CT) with TV coverage on SEC Network and streaming on-demand.

• How to watch: Live streams of the Texas vs. Mississippi State game are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).
• For a limited time, FuboTV is offering $30 off the first month after the free trial period. With $30 offer, plans start at $49.99.

Mississippi State (1-3) at #1 Texas Longhorns (4-0)

NCAA football matchup at a glance

When: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 4:15 p.m. ET (3:15 p.m. CT)

Where: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

TV channel: SEC Network

Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | DirecTV Stream (free trial)

Texas is a huge 38.5-point favorite in its SEC opener over the Bulldogs with no decision yet as of Thursday afternoon whether Quinn Ewers (oblique strain) would return and in what capacity. Former 5-star prospect Arch Manning has made the past two starts in his absence and completed 24-of-41 passes for 481 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions.

Mississippi State has dropped three straight games where the Bulldogs gave up 30-plus points to Arizona State (30-23), Toledo (41-17) and Florida (45-28). Mississippi State is a big underdog against Texas, then also has to go on the road and face No. 2 Georgia following a Week 6 bye.

#1 Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Know your live streaming options

• FuboTV (free trial) – excellent viewer experience with huge library of live sports content; free trial lengths vary; monthly rate after free trial starts at $49.99 for duration of $30 first month discount.
• SlingTV (low intro rate) – discounted first month is best if you’ve run out of free trials or you’re in the market for 1+ month of TV
• DirecTV Stream (free trial) – not the same level of viewer experience as FuboTV, but the standard 7-day free trial is still the longest in streaming.

The Longhorns and Bulldogs are set for a 4:15 p.m. ET start on SEC Network. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).

Data Skrive

At DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Jerrick Gibson and the Texas Longhorns (4-0) take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3).

You’ll want to check out SEC Network for the upcoming game between the Longhorns and Bulldogs.

Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports.

Learn more about the Texas Longhorns and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

How to Watch Texas vs. Mississippi State

• When: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:15 p.m. ET
• Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas
• Live Box Score: FOX Sports

Read More About This Game

• Texas vs. Mississippi State Predictions

Texas’ 2024 Schedule

Texas 2024 Stats & Insights

• Texas has been a tough matchup for opposing teams, ranking top-25 in both total offense (12th-best with 511.3 yards per game) and total defense (fifth-best with 211.8 yards allowed per game) this season.
• Texas has been thriving on both offense and defense in the passing game, ranking 10th-best in passing offense (321.5 passing yards per game) and eighth-best in passing defense (116 passing yards allowed per game).
• The Longhorns have been clicking on all fronts this season, as they rank 11th-best in scoring offense (47.5 points per game) and best in scoring defense (5.5 points allowed per game).
• The Longhorns rank 46th in rushing yards this year (189.8 rushing yards per game), but they’ve been thriving on defense, ranking 25th-best in the FBS with 95.8 rushing yards allowed per game.
• Texas has been a handful for opposing teams on third down, ranking top-25 in both third-down offense (16th-best with a 51% third-down conversion rate) and third-down defense (sixth-best with a 21.8% third-down percentage allowed) this season.
• The Longhorns rank 32nd in college football with a +3 turnover margin after forcing 8 turnovers (15th in the FBS) while committing five (70th in the FBS).

Texas 2024 Key Players

Mississippi State’s 2024 Schedule

Mississippi State 2024 Stats & Insights

• Mississippi State’s defense has been bottom-25 in total defense this season, allowing 416.8 total yards per game, which ranks 25th-worst. Offensively, it ranks 68th with 401.8 total yards per contest.
• In terms of passing, Mississippi State ranks 36th in the FBS (268.5 passing yards per game) and 64th defensively (200 passing yards allowed per contest).
• With 31 points per game on the offensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs rank 62nd in the FBS. Defensively, they rank 107th, giving up 30.8 points per game.
• The Bulldogs have been struggling to stop the run, ranking 11th-worst with 216.8 rushing yards allowed per game. They have been more productive offensively, posting 133.3 rushing yards per contest (97th-ranked).
• Mississippi State’s defense has been a bottom-25 unit on third down this season, ceding a 45.6% third-down conversion rate, which ranks 19th-worst in the FBS. On the offensive side of the ball, it ranks 38th with a 45.6% third-down rate.
• The Bulldogs have a -1 turnover margin this season, which ranks 84th in the FBS.

Mississippi State 2024 Key Players

FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox?

Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience

Advertisement

Texas Longhorns

Mississippi State Bulldogs

College Football