AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Arch Manning earned his first career win as a starter and Jaydon Blue scored four touchdowns as No. 1 Texas defeated Louisiana-Monroe 51-3 on Saturday night.

The Longhorns took over the No. 1 spot for the first time since 2008 last week and made quick work of the Warhawks, with Manning starting in place of injured regular starting quarterback Quinn Ewerswho was at home with an abdominal injury.

Texas (4-0) leaned on Blue early, and he scored three of the Longhorns’ first four touchdowns on two short runs and a pass from Manning. Manning’s touchdown pass in the second quarter to Ryan Wingo made it 28-0.

Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning. He was one of the highest-rated recruits in the country following the 2022 high school season.

Arch Manning achieved the personal milestone victory, but was not as sharp as his flawless execution a week earlier against UTSA, when he threw five touchdown passes and scored another after Ewers was injured.

Manning was 15-of-29 passing for 259 yards and two touchdowns against the Warhawks (2-1), with some forced throws, missed receivers and two interceptions. He left the game early in the fourth quarter after Blue’s final touchdown.

Manning gave himself a “C-plus” for the game.

“There’s obviously still a lot to improve on, things I want to get back, but it’s a good first win,” said Manning.

Blue finished with 124 yards rushing. He did not play in Texas’ previous game due to a nagging ankle injury.

“It was great to have Jaydon Blue back,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He’s a weapon. He can get to the rim, but a lot of his yards are between the tackles.”

Texas played its final non-conference game before beginning its first SEC schedule next week: a home game against Mississippi State.

“Pre-season is over,” Sarkisian said. “We don’t have to do anything else. The guys know that if we do well, we can perform at a pretty high level.”

Takeaway meals

Louisiana-Monroe: The Warhawks have already matched last season’s win total, and a lopsided loss to top-ranked Texas won’t hurt their hopes for a decent season in the Sun Belt Conference. The Warhawks were able to put some pass-rushing pressure on Manning.

Texas: The game was a perfect learning opportunity for Manning, who clearly doesn’t shy away from any pitch and has forced several into double and even triple coverage. He also continues to show a powerful arm on deep balls. It’s unclear when Ewers will return, though coach Steve Sarkisian has suggested he’ll be the starter if he does.

“He took his shots. We hit them and missed a couple,” Sarkisian said. “Lessons learned. That’s what it was about tonight.”

Strong defense

Texas held an opponent out of the end zone for just the second time this season and has allowed just two touchdowns in four games. Jay’Vion Cole’s interception in the final two minutes ended what looked like a wide-open flea-flicker by the Warhawks. Texas has allowed just 22 total points this season.

Poll position

There’s no reason to think Texas won’t remain at No. 1 after its third 50-point performance this season.

Next

Louisiana-Monroe plays at Troy on September 28 for the Warhawks’ Sun Belt Conference opener.

Texas hosts Mississippi State on September 28 in the Longhorns’ SEC opener.