When will we see the Arch Manning everyone expected? Early season talks had him as a top Heisman contender and leading Texas to glory. But three games in, he hasn’t lived up to that hype.
Sure, Texas won against UTEP 27-10, and they’re sitting at 2-1. But the real tests come in October, with tough games against Florida and Oklahoma. How Texas performs in those matchups will show whether they’re contenders or just disappointing.
Manning’s performance so far has raised eyebrows. He completed just 11 of 25 passes against UTEP, throwing for 114 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Even more concerning, he looked uncertain. He held onto the ball too long, made shaky throws, and seemed out of rhythm.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has adjusted the game plan, opting for a more conservative strategy. While this approach may work against teams like UTEP, it won’t stand up against stronger opponents.
The preseason expectations for Manning may have been ambitious, especially given his limited starting experience and Texas’s struggles with a new offensive line. Still, as a junior in the program, some signs of growth should be visible by now.
Historical comparisons can shed light here. In 2020, Joe Burrow had a rocky start before becoming a star. Still, Burrow’s early signs of promise were evident. Manning’s situation feels different.
Surprisingly, UTEP had issues of its own, having given up 28 points in their previous match. Texas’s performance against them was underwhelming.
Sarkisian attempted to address Manning’s struggles, noting that he’d only become a true quarterback after facing boos. However, the second half didn’t improve much. Manning managed to run effectively, gaining 51 yards, but that won’t suffice against top-tier defenses.
As the season moves on, Manning must step up. Three games in should be ample time to find his rhythm. Texas has high hopes for him, but if he doesn’t develop soon, they could fade from the national conversation entirely.
With college football’s competitive landscape, every game counts. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely. The coming weeks will reveal if Manning can turn things around or if Texas will be left scrambling.
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Arch Manning, UTEP, Texas, Tim Warner, Longhorns, Quinn Ewers, Xavier Smith, Oklahoma, Florida
