Texas Longhorns Secure Win Against UTEP Miners

Austin TX, September 14, 2025

News Summary

In a showcase featuring high-profile quarterbacks, the No. 7 Texas Longhorns defeated the UTEP Miners 27-10 despite an underwhelming offensive performance. Both teams struggled, with Texas capitalizing on opportunities while UTEP faced issues with turnovers and injuries, contributing to their defeat. Key player Arch Manning rushed for two touchdowns, while UTEP struggled to convert in critical moments, ultimately falling short in their efforts.

Austin, Texas – The No. 7 Texas Longhorns defeated the UTEP Miners 27-10 in a matchup that featured high-profile high school quarterback prospects Arch Manning and Malachi Nelson, despite the Longhorns struggling offensively. Both teams entered the game at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium with 1-1 records, having faced defeats in their respective opening games before bouncing back with wins.

UTEP paid a heavy price for their trip to Austin, receiving a guaranteed $1.63 million paycheck to participate in the matchup. The Miners failed to perform to their potential against a ranked Texas team, managing to score only a single touchdown along with a field goal. The Longhorns, on the other hand, were able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, though their own offensive efficiency was also underwhelming.

Texas scored their first touchdown via a 4-yard pass from Manning to Ryan Wingo after an eight-play, 47-yard drive. Manning, who rushed for two touchdowns accounting for all Texas scores in the game, had a mixed performance, completing just 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception.

Defensive struggles were evident for UTEP; they executed their best drive but stalled at the 20-yard line, failing to convert on a fourth down. UTEP’s quarterback, Malachi Nelson, added to his team’s struggles by throwing two interceptions throughout the game. UTEP’s offense was further hampered when they suffered multiple injuries, including the loss of top receiver Kenny Odom, who exited the game with a separated shoulder. Defensively, UTEP lost key linebacker Jalen Rudolph and his backup Garrett Hawkins to injuries.

Despite the Longhorns facing their challenges – including a troubling 1 for 9 on third-down conversions in the first half – they managed to lean on their defense. They led in total yards (187 to 123) and first downs (11 to 4) by halftime. Texas’ offense was booed by fans during halftime, despite holding a comfortable 14-3 lead. Arch Manning threw ten consecutive incompletions before finally connecting for a touchdown with just six seconds left in the first half.

In the second half, UTEP managed to score a field goal. Late in the game, UTEP attempted an onside kick that failed, allowing Texas to run down the clock while driving for their final score. The Miners put together a brief drive that culminated in a touchdown on Shay Smith’s quarterback keeper, but their efforts ultimately fell short.

As the game concluded, it became clear that UTEP’s challenges extended beyond just the scoreline; turnover issues, offensive inefficiencies, and injuries significantly impacted their performance. The game ended with Texas emerging victorious but marked reduction of excitement, as both sides faced their own struggles throughout the encounter.

Key Game Stats

• Final Score: Texas 27, UTEP 10
• Texas Total Yards: 187
• UTEP Total Yards: 123
• First Downs: Texas 11, UTEP 4
• Arch Manning’s Pass Completions: 11 of 25 for 114 yards
• Malachi Nelson’s Interceptions: 2
• UTEP Rushing Yards: 26 on 12 carries in the first half
• Touchdowns (Texas): 3 (Manning 2 rushing, 1 passing)
• Touchdowns (UTEP): 1 (Smith rushing)

Game Highlights

• Arch Manning rushed for two touchdowns, scoring all three of Texas’s touchdowns.
• UTEP executed a failed onside kick attempt late in the game.
• Texas received generous penalties that aided their scoring efforts.

Background Context

Entering the game, both Texas and UTEP had similar trajectories in their seasons, with losses in their opening games. Texas had been expected to perform better given their national ranking, while UTEP sought to prove their mettle against a strong opponent. The matchup showcased not only the struggle of both teams offensively but also highlighted the potential future stars in quarterbacks Arch Manning and Malachi Nelson.

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Additional Resources

• USA Today
• Wikipedia: Arch Manning
• El Paso Times
• Google Search: Texas Longhorns vs UTEP
• Sports Illustrated
• Google Scholar: College Football Texas vs UTEP
• ESPN
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns Football
• CBS Sports
• Google News: Texas Longhorns vs UTEP game

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