The Texas Longhorns brought Arkansas back to DKR stadium in Austin, for the first time in 34 years and the atmosphere was electric .

The rivalry may not have an iconic nickname, but the stakes were familiar: pride, history, and a Texas team with plenty to lose as they play number 3 ranked Texas A & M next week in Austin, with a chance albeit slim, with a vicory to get into the college football playoffs.

Arkansa arrived bruised by an eight-game losing streak, the fallout from Sam Pittman’s September dismissal, and a season where frustrationhasn’t stopped close games from stacking up. Four of the Razorbacks’ last five losses under interim coach Bobby Petrino came by three points or fewer.

Last weeks one point loss to LSU despite their 2-8 record showed that Arkansas, would be ready for the challenge . Texas was focused although their defense was very shaky in the first half.

Texas set the tone early. Arch Manning opened with short screens, then stepped up and launched a perfect 46-yard touchdown strike to DeAndre Moore Jr. Arkansas countered with big gains from Mike Washington and quarterback Taylen Green, but the Longhorns answered with creativity that stunned the stadium. A smooth Philly Special ended with Manning leaping for a touchdown grab, something Texas hadn’t seen from a quarterback since 2011 according to the program’s archives.

The first half stayed close until a late 44-yard field goal from Mason Shipley sent Texas into the break with a 24-21 lead.

Manning came out of half time with guns blazing. He hit Emmett Mosley and Jack Endries for chunk plays, then finished the drive with a decisive three-yard touchdown run. The offense kept rolling with deep completions to Parker Livingstone and more precision throws to Moore, while Manning’s mobility kept Arkansas from settling into pressure.

Arkansas continued moving the ball, but Texas delivered the knockout moment early in the fourth quarter. Freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons ripped around the edge for a strip sack, and Liona Lefau scooped the ball and returned it 52 yards for a defensive He hit Emmett Mosley and Jack Endries for chunk plays, then finished the drive with a decisive three-yard touchdown run. The offense kept rolling with deep completions to Parker Livingstone and more precision throws to Moore, while Manning’s mobility kept Arkansas from settling into pressure.

Arkansas continued moving the ball, but Texas delivered the knockout moment early in the fourth quarter. Freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons ripped around the edge for a strip sack, and Liona Lefau scooped the ball and returned it 52 yards for a defensive touchdown that pushed the lead out of reach. that pushed the lead out of reach.

With Arch Manning, leading an offense that looks more confident each week, the Longhorns head into rivalry week with real momentum and a clear statement: this team isn’t looking distracted or overwhelmed. They’re looking ready.