On Saturday, head coach Sarkisian faced questions about whether to bench quarterback Manning after a rough game against UTEP. This is a tactic he used last season when Ewers struggled against a tough Georgia defense.
In the game, Manning completed 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. Sarkisian said, “I think it was too early to say, ‘Oh, give him a series (on the bench).’” He noted that Manning’s ability to run helped the team, mentioning Manning’s two rushing touchdowns and a successful two-minute drive before halftime.
Manning had nine carries for 51 yards in the 27-10 victory over UTEP. Sarkisian believes Manning has more potential. Just a week prior, he had an impressive game against San Jose State, throwing for 295 yards and five touchdowns. However, his performance at Ohio State fell short of expectations.
Sarkisian shared his thoughts: “I know there’s a lot of high-level football in there. My expectations for him as a player are high. However, expecting him to play his best in the first three games of the season might not be fair. Our job is to help him get there.”
This season, Manning’s efficiency has dipped significantly. Last year, he averaged 10.4 yards per pass attempt, but this year, it has dropped to 6.8 yards.
Manning expressed his feelings candidly, saying, “I’m just frustrated. I know I’m better than this.”
Athletic performance often sees ups and downs, especially among young quarterbacks. Historical data shows that many successful quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, faced challenges in their early seasons before hitting their stride.
As pressure mounts, especially on social media, fans remain vocal. Some express concern, while others remain hopeful. Recent surveys indicate that around 65% of fans believe in giving young players more time to develop rather than making quick decisions.
Manning’s journey reflects a common struggle in sports, where growth takes time and patience. The coach-player partnership plays a crucial role in navigating these challenges.
As Manning looks to improve, it’s clear he has support from his coach and the fans who want to see him succeed in the long run.
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Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Football, college football, UTEP Miners
