College Football Front Page
Texas' Defense Carries Longhorns Past UTSA, 30-6
Arch Manning found Cam Coleman for two early scores, but it was Texas' defense — which held UTSA to 143 yards and no touchdowns — that sealed the Longhorns' 30-6 win at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
AUSTIN — No. 1 Texas improved to 3-0 Saturday night, hanging on for a 30-6 victory over UTSA in the Longhorns' final tuneup before beginning SEC play. Arch Manning connected on two early touchdown passes to Cam Coleman, but the freshman quarterback finished a modest 16-of-32 for 161 yards and exited with roughly six minutes left after taking several big hits. Texas vaulted to the top ranking after last week’s 24-23 comeback over Ohio State, but this game offered a reminder that not everything will come easy.
The scoring began on the game’s opening snap when defensive back Rasheem Biles intercepted UTSA and set up Coleman’s first touchdown. Coleman’s second score — a high, leaping catch in the corner of the end zone — pushed the Longhorns in front 17-3 early in the second quarter. Kicker Gianni Spetic added field goals of 52, 34 and 23 yards to make it 23-6 entering the fourth, and freshman Derrick Cooper capped the scoring with his first career rushing touchdown with 8:57 remaining.
Texas’ defense did the heavy lifting, allowing just 143 total yards and keeping the Roadrunners out of the end zone. UTSA quarterback Owen McCown tried to counter with misdirection and quick throws, but the Roadrunners couldn’t match Texas’ physical front. Coach Steve Sarkisian bristled at suggestions the result should be downplayed, saying, “I’m never going to apologize for good defense,” even as he conceded the offense was inconsistent.
The week’s off-field distractions and on-field miscues left marks: linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen was suspended for the game after a misdemeanor DWI arrest, Texas was charged with eight penalties for 88 yards, and preseason All-American edge rusher Colin Simmons did not play the second half and was seen leaving in street clothes wearing a medical boot on his right leg — a precautionary removal Sarkisian called not serious. Manning, who ran nine times for 50 yards and acknowledged, “I didn't play well…The offense has to play better if we're going to beat Tennessee,” will lead Texas to No. 15 Tennessee next Saturday, while UTSA returns home to face Colorado State on Sept. 26.