Post by : Meena Ariff

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian entered the Citrus Bowl uncertain about how his team would perform, missing nine starters due to injuries and players transferring out. Despite these challenges, key contributions from Christian Carter and Kaliq Lockett helped No. 14 Texas secure a 41-27 victory over No. 18 Michigan on Wednesday.

The star of the game was quarterback Arch Manning, who delivered a dynamic and electrifying performance that powered the Longhorns to their 10th win of the season. Manning completed 221 passing yards with two touchdown throws, including a precise 30-yard connection to Lockett, who saw increased playing time due to injury issues on the team. Manning was just as effective on the ground, rushing for 155 yards and scoring twice with his legs. He also executed two crucial fourth-down conversions, one of which set up a touchdown run by Christian Carter. Carter was thrust into a starting role after Texas lost its top three running backs to the transfer portal and made the most of his opportunity by rushing 20 times for 105 yards.

Sarkisian praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We played without nine starters, but that created new opportunities. That’s the culture we have here.”

Texas, now 10-3 on the season, bounced back strongly after the disappointment of missing the College Football Playoffs and dealing with a limited roster in practice. Their performance reflected the promise they showed as the preseason No. 1 team in the AP poll.

Manning’s standout moment came late in the game with a 60-yard touchdown run that gave Texas a 38-27 lead, marking the first time either team had more than a one-score advantage. His impressive effort earned him the Citrus Bowl MVP honors and drew comparisons to his uncle, Peyton Manning, who delivered a remarkable Citrus Bowl performance at Tennessee in 1997.

Meanwhile, Michigan faced a turbulent month leading up to the game. Their former coach, Sherrone Moore, was fired amid scandal and later arrested. The program is currently on NCAA probation, with penalties expected to cost the school $30 million. Kyle Whittingham, recently hired to replace Moore, was in attendance at the Citrus Bowl as he begins his tenure.

Interim coach Biff Poggi, who experienced his first loss as head coach, complimented his players’ effort and expressed confidence in Whittingham’s ability to lead a talented team moving forward.

Michigan, now 9-4, fought hard despite missing key defenders. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood kept the game competitive, throwing for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown. However, two late interceptions by Texas defender Ty’Anthony Smith proved costly and ultimately ended Michigan’s comeback hopes.

On the ground, Bryson Kuzdzal led Michigan’s rushing attack with 82 yards on 20 carries, successfully converting multiple fourth-down attempts to keep drives alive.

For Texas, freshman receiver Clark contributed significantly, surpassing his season average receptions in this crucial game.

The contest was marred by a combined 21 penalties from both teams. One of the most damaging was Michigan’s blindside block penalty near Texas’s 10-yard line, which led to a turnover and shifted momentum in favor of the Longhorns.

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