AUSTIN – The SEC era in Austin has officially begun, although it certainly could have started more smoothly.

The No. 1 Texas Longhorns started conference play on Saturday at home against Mississippi State, but without their starting quarterback. After Quinn Ewers was sidelined for the second straight game, Arch Manning got the start and gave Texas a 14-6 halftime lead over the Bulldogs. In the first half, he completed 15 of 19 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown.

Mississippi State dominated time of possession in the first half, 20:34 to 8:57, as head coach Jeff Lebby’s plan was clearly to keep the ball away from Manning.

The Bulldogs put together a steady opening attack that included a lot of running, with both Van Buren and backup quarterback Chris Parson using their legs.

And on Texas’ first possession, Manning scored through Matthew Golden for a 22-yard gain on a comeback route that was increased by 15 yards due to a facemask penalty. On the next play, he connected with Isaiah Bond for a 16-yard pickup. The Longhorns found themselves just outside the red zone after just two plays.

Sophomore receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. appeared to have a touchdown two plays later, but his 20-yard gain was ruled short of the end zone at the one-yard line. Blue scored its fifth touchdown in the last five quarters on the next play.

After a quick three-and-out by the Bulldogs, the Longhorns were back in prime position after contests of 27 and 17 yards for Bond. However, Blue made his first big mistake of the season with a fumble at the 20-yard line that Mississippi State recovered.

The Bulldogs couldn’t take advantage of the takeaway and stumbled after seven plays. Texas couldn’t do anything on the ensuing possession after a holding penalty on Cam Williams led to the drive ending in a three-pointer.

A partially blocked punt by the Bulldogs brought Van Buren and the offense to the Texas 37-yard line. After gaining just 10 yards in seven plays, Mississippi State managed a 45-yard field goal from Kyle Ferrie to bring the game to 7-3.

To respond, the Longhorns started the next drive with a 12-yard catch-and-run from running back Quintrevion Wisner that broke through several defenders. Manning fired a Depp shot to Johntay Cook II, Wisner’s second cousin, on third down two plays later, but the would-be 62-yard touchdown slipped through his hands. Texas punted for the second straight game.

The Bulldogs added their second field goal of a 10-play, 64 drive to make the score 7-6 after the two-minute timeout.

Texas had one last chance to make the most of the first half, which Manning did after finding Moore Jr. for a 49-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline with 29 seconds left in the game.

The Longhorns will get the ball to start the second half.