The No. 7 Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 18 Missouri Tigers 34-20 on Saturday at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, overcoming an early deficit and scoring 21 unanswered points in the second half to secure an important SEC road victory. Texas improved to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while Missouri fell to 6-3 and 3-3. The win gives the Longhorns a valuable ranked victory as they continue competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Missouri struck first, taking a 7-0 lead on a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Simmons to tight end Brett Norfleet. Texas answered with a 24-yard touchdown reception by running back Derrek Cooper from quarterback Arch Manning. Missouri added a 22-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead before the Longhorns tied the game at 10-10 with a 27-yard kick from Gianni Spetic just before halftime.

The Tigers regained the lead in the third quarter with a 48-yard field goal, but Spetic answered with a 34-yard kick to make it 13-13. Missouri then produced one of the game's biggest plays when Simmons connected with Naeshaun Montgomery for a 72-yard touchdown, putting the Tigers ahead 20-13. Texas responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Manning to freshman receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr., tying the game at 20-20 heading into the fourth quarter.

Texas took control in the final period. Manning connected with Raleek Brown for a 23-yard touchdown to give the Longhorns a 27-20 advantage with just over five minutes remaining. The defense then helped preserve the lead before Brown added an eight-yard rushing touchdown with 1:25 left, extending the margin to 34-20 and sealing the victory.

Manning finished with 28 completions on 38 attempts for 297 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Brown led the Texas ground game with 85 rushing yards on 17 carries and added 48 receiving yards and a touchdown. Emmett Mosley V led the Longhorns with five catches for 85 yards, while Bishop Jr. contributed four receptions for 60 yards and a score. Spetic converted both of his field-goal attempts and all four extra points, accounting for 10 points.

Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons completed 23 of 43 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Montgomery led the Tigers with 81 receiving yards on two catches, including his 72-yard touchdown, while Cayden Lee recorded nine receptions for 79 yards. Jamal Roberts carried the ball 19 times for 66 yards. Missouri struggled to sustain drives, converting just three of 16 third-down attempts compared with Texas' six conversions on 13 attempts.

Texas finished with 373 total yards, including 297 through the air and 76 on the ground, while Missouri recorded 336 total yards. The Longhorns also held a 21-17 advantage in first downs and controlled possession for 32 minutes, compared with Missouri's 27:34. Texas overcame two lost fumbles and seven penalties to finish the game with a 14-point victory.

The victory gives Texas another important result against a ranked SEC opponent and keeps the Longhorns in the conference and national postseason picture. Missouri, meanwhile, will look to regroup after allowing Texas to take over in the fourth quarter.