The Longhorns found their way back into the win column this weekend, with a rather dominating win over Arkansas, 52-37. The offense shined like Longhorn fans had been waiting for, the defense had a very up and down afternoon but Texas came out with a win. That means it’s time to give out Longhorns of the game honors. It’s rather easy for both sides of the ball, particularly offensively.
Texas Offense: Arch Manning & DeAndre Moore
This is simple as can be. When you become the first player in the SEC in over a decade to score a passing, rushing a receiving TD in one game, you get Longhorn of the week honors. Arch Manning has been playing high level football really since the Florida game, but this was his best performance as a Longhorn. Nearly 400 total yards, 6 total TDs and continuous creating off schedule and evading rushes. Remarkable performance from a remarkable player.
DeAndre Moore is right there with him because three times Manning found the endzone, so did Moore. That Manning-Moore connection is growing as the season goes on, and it’s unlocking the Texas offense along with it. Moore is such an important player to this team, and he’s finishing the season incredibly strong. Now, you just have to hope he can carry that into his final game in DKR against Texas A&M on Friday.
Honorable Mentions: The OL, Emmett Mosley V, Parker Livingstone, Ryan Wingo
Texas Defense: Colin Simmons
Colin Simmons is the single best edge defender in the country. He continues to stack game wrecking performance after game wrecking performance. This one came with 1 sack, 1.5 TFLs, a FF and consistently blew up outside runs for Arkansas. Colin Simmons has won this award for the past four games, and I have to imagine I’ll be back here on Saturday telling you he is the player of the game against Texas A&M as well.
Honorable Mentions: Kade Phillips, Graceson Littleton, Jelani McDonald, Liona Lefau
Texas Special Teams: Jack Bouwmeester
This was a sub-par day from the special teams unit as a whole. However, Jack Bouwmeester was able to hit two major punts that pinned Arkansas’ offense deep in their own territory. In a game where the offense is rolling to that degree, really all you need is to win the field position battle in critical moments. Bouwmeester was able to do that, pinning Arkansas at their 11-yard line, forcing a three-and-out, and at their 8-yard line late in the game, taking any comeback chance at bay. Bouwmeester has been an unsung hero around this Longhorn team, but in this game, he was incredibly valuable at big moments.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns of the week: Manning’s record game leads the pack
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
