AUSTIN, Texas — The offenses were on fire at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as Orange defeated White, 35-34, in Texas Football's 2024 spring game.
The story of the game was undoubtedly sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who showcased exactly why he was the top high school recruit in the country in 2022. Manning completed 19 of 26 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns, leading the White team to scores on each of his four possessions.
Some of Manning's highlights included a pair of 75-yard touchdown passes to DeAndre Moore Jr. toward the end of the first half and Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond in the fourth quarter for what was then a go-ahead score. He also tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaydon Blue in the second quarter.
While Manning statistically stole the show, freshman quarterback Ty Owens was ultimately the one who led the Orange team on its go-ahead, game-winning drive, finding fellow freshman Ryan Wingo for a 3-yard touchdown with 30 seconds left. The ensuing extra point is what secured the win for Orange. Senior quarterback Cole Lourd, who is expected to be the team's third-string quarterback this season, also tossed a touchdown to junior wide receiver Reece Beauchamp.
Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers played sparsely, notably tossing an interception on his first pass of the game off a deflection from Westlake alumnus Ethan Burke, allowing Cedar Creek graduate Alfred Collins to corral the ball and return it for a pick six and the game's opening score.
The Longhorns will now be out of action until fall practice kicks off in August. The team will open its 2024 season against Colorado State at home before traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a marquee matchup against defending national champion Michigan.