Texas quarterback Arch Manning connected with running back Raleek Brown on a 4-yard touchdown pass with six seconds remaining, lifting the Longhorns to a 22-21 victory over LSU at Tiger Stadium.
Brown caught the quick swing pass after being motioned out wide and ran untouched into the end zone. The score capped a Texas rally that outscored LSU 12-0 in the fourth quarter.
LSU held a 21-10 lead with 5:52 remaining in the third quarter but failed to score again, punting on its final four possessions. Three were three-and-out drives. Texas converted those possessions into two field goals before the game-winning touchdown.
The loss dropped LSU to 6-4 and effectively ended any playoff berth. It marked another late-game collapse for the Tigers, following a loss to Alabama the previous week.
According to ESPN Research, this was LSU's first home loss when leading by double digits in the second half since 2005 against Tennessee. LSU had won 111 consecutive home games under such circumstances.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin said the team underperformed. "We were brought here to win, and we need to win more than that," he said.
Kiffin cited several factors in the defeat: a missed field goal attempt, three interceptions (two in the red zone), and a lack of depth on special teams that hurt field position.
LSU invested heavily this offseason. The program fired coach Brian Kelly at a $54 million buyout and hired Kiffin away from Ole Miss on a seven-year, $91 million contract. The Tigers also brought in a transfer class that included quarterback Sam Leavitt, left tackle Jordan Seaton and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
Kiffin acknowledged the work ahead. "Everything isn't built for the first year when you come in somewhere," he said. "You build things, and they take a little bit of time."
