Arch Manning, Texas escape Missouri after wild officiating controversy throws SEC showdown into chaos

The argument that Texas would make the College Football Playoff if it loses another game this season will have to wait another week.

But that doesn’t mean the controversy surrounding this Longhorns team will go away soon after the 34-20 win over Missouri.

Did SEC officials get together before the game and decide that pure chaos was the order of the day for this Missouri showdown?

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Besides the fact that there were several calls against Missouri, some reasonable, I don’t think we’ve seen this much craziness in a football game this season.

It all came to a head in the third quarter, as Arch Manning was hit from behind while also trying to complete a pass. The Texas quarterback was visibly trying to pass the ball, while at the same time a Missouri defender got his hands on the ball.

The problem was that Manning’s arm was moving forward, even with the ball deflected by a Missouri defender. Then, as the ball lay on the ground 12 yards from the line of scrimmage, a Texas receiver picked up the ball while trying to catch it before a Missouri defender fell on the ball.

Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns tackles Jason Dowell of the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on November 7, 2026. (Getty Images)

According to the SEC officiating staff, the on-field call was ruled a fumble. So, officials reviewed the play, which was OK in the replay center at the SEC offices, where they decided the on-field call would stand.

As a confused broadcast crew and those reacting on social media complained, Arch Manning dropped a dime just two plays later for the Texas touchdown that tied the game at 20-20.

This was just one example that created a lot of confusion for the viewers at home, while the home crowd in Missouri was stunned.

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As for the game itself, aside from a number of odd calls from the officiating crew, it was expected to be a tough outing for the No. 7 Longhorns against a Missouri team led by quarterback Austin Simmons.

Turns out we started off this chaotic Saturday with a bang, because

This might be one of those examples of how anyone in the SEC can be beaten on any given Saturday. But there will be plenty of questions about why some of these calls were made, with a Missouri team that continued to cause problems for a Longhorns team that is still looking for a mistake-free football game this season.

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Austin Simmons, #13 of the Missouri Tigers, throws a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri. (Getty Images)

Did we actually learn anything about Arch Manning’s presence in the pocket? Of course, there were several instances where Texas looked like a team that could pose a threat if they were to make the College Football Playoff.

But we’ve still seen a Steve Sarkisian-led team that’s troubled by its own penalty mistakes, while also trying to create a rushing attack without Hollywood Smothers.

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Regardless of what the home fans think of the outcome, and while Texas was fortunate enough to be bailed out by the officiating crew several times, the Longhorns will gladly take this win and prepare for a showdown against LSU next week in Baton Rouge.

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The win over No. 19 Missouri will obviously suit the CFP rankings committee should Texas suffer a loss that puts them at three this season.

Derrek Cooper #5 of the Texas Longhorns scores a touchdown during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on November 7, 2026. (Getty Images)

But it’s clear that Steve Sarkisian is learning a few new things about his red zone offense, even if some of the field position was handed to them on a silver platter against the Tigers on Saturday.

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We’re still dealing with a Longhorns football team that feels like it can be beaten any weekend.

At the same time, this Texas team is finding ways to win football games at the most important time of the 2026 season.