It was a game between two of the highest-paid quarterbacks in college football.
However, this was far from a quarterback duel.
The game featured more interceptions than touchdowns as No. 6 Texas overcame three Arch Manning interceptions and an 11-point second-half deficit to stun No. 21 LSU 22-21 Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just two seconds remaining.
“It’s really discouraging that so much comes down to one play,” LSU coach Lane Kiffin said. “Obviously really disappointed”
The loss dropped LSU to 6-4 overall and 3-4 in SEC play, while Texas improved to 8-2 and 5-2.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt had a rough outing with three interceptions, but unlike Manning, he was productive for much of the night outside of those mistakes.
Leavitt completed 27 of 37 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns, with all three of his interceptions going to Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald.
Manning had even more trouble throwing the football for most of the night.
LSU safety Ty Benefield intercepted Manning twice, while cornerback DJ Pickett added another interception in the fourth quarter.
Manning completed just 19 of 35 passes for 174 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
But when Texas needed him most, Manning finally delivered.
LSU appeared to take control of the game when running back Dilin Jones broke loose for a 44-yard touchdown with 5:52 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Tigers a 21-10 lead.
Jones finished as LSU’s leading rusher with 125 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Texas slowly chipped away at the deficit behind kicker Gianni Spetic.
Spetic connected from 41 yards late in the third quarter before drilling a 50-yarder with 11:37 remaining to cut LSU’s lead to 21-16.
Meanwhile, an LSU offense that had scored touchdowns in each of the first three quarters went completely stagnant.
The Tigers failed to score in the fourth quarter and punted on each of their final four possessions.
Texas appeared to give LSU another opportunity to put the game away when Manning threw his third interception with 10:34 remaining. Pickett picked him off near the LSU goal line, but the Tigers managed just 19 yards before punting.
LSU’s defense forced another Texas punt, giving the offense the ball back with 5:44 remaining and a chance to drain the clock.
Instead, penalties derailed the possession.
Two LSU holding penalties wiped out positive plays, and the Tigers eventually punted from their own 26 with 2:19 remaining.
That gave Manning one final opportunity.
Starting at the Texas 42, Manning completed three passes to move the Longhorns across midfield before converting a third-and-3 with a 4-yard quarterback run.
He then connected with Ryan Wingo for 19 yards to the LSU 16.
LSU briefly appeared to have ended the game when Pickett forced a Wingo fumble that Davhon Keys recovered, but replay overturned the call and ruled Wingo down before the ball came loose.
Texas took advantage of the second chance.
Manning scrambled 7 yards on third-and-5 to move the ball to the LSU 4 before finding running back Raleek Brown for a 4-yard touchdown with just two seconds remaining, giving Texas a 22-21 lead.
The Longhorns failed on the ensuing two-point conversion, but LSU was unable to produce a miracle on the final kickoff.
It was a brutal ending for an LSU defense that had frustrated Manning for nearly the entire night.
LSU outgained Texas 366-273 and held the Longhorns to just 174 passing yards and 99 rushing yards.
But the Tigers committed three turnovers of their own and were penalized 11 times for 93 yards.
Leavitt finished as LSU’s leading passer with 244 yards. Jones led the Tigers with 125 rushing yards, while Eugene Wilson III was LSU’s leading receiver with seven catches for 96 yards.
Jackson Harris caught eight passes for 64 yards and both of Leavitt’s touchdown passes.
Benefield was one of the biggest defensive standouts with two interceptions, eight tackles and a sack. Linebacker Davhon Keys led LSU with 10 tackles.
Texas did not lead at any point after the first quarter until the final two seconds.
But in a game defined by quarterback mistakes, Manning made the final play that mattered, while LSU watched an 11-point lead and another opportunity for a marquee victory disappear in the final moments.
