Arch Manning’s rough day against Oklahoma has quickly turned into a larger conversation about what Texas is really getting from its quarterback - and whether Steve Sarkisian was right to defend him the way he did.
Manning threw two interceptions with the game on the line in the Longhorns’ loss to the rival Sooners on Saturday, Oct. 10, and the criticism came fast. Sarkisian stepped in earlier this week and argued that if you removed the name from the back of Manning’s jersey, people would be more impressed with what he has done at Texas.
Paul Finebaum wasn’t buying any of it on Wednesday’s edition of “Get Up,” where he and Jordan Rodgers pushed back on that defense. Finebaum didn’t soften his view at all.
“That is complete hogwash, and Steve Sarkisian knows that, Greeny. I mean, that’s one of the most absurd things I’ve ever heard Sarkisian say, and I’m a big fan of his and will continue to praise him in spite of him just whiffing on that.
I’m not even sure if Arch Manning would be starting at Texas if his name was Joe Smith. He has played that poorly in spots.”
Finebaum followed that up with an even sharper judgment of the Oklahoma loss.
“He does very well, other than the fact that he blows the game against Oklahoma. To me, that is unforgivable.”
Rodgers was a bit more measured, agreeing that Manning may be facing expectations that are too heavy but also saying the production hasn’t matched the hype around where he’s projected to be drafted.
The numbers, when you strip out Manning’s performances against Texas State and UTSA, haven’t exactly quieted the noise. In his other three games, he has thrown four touchdown passes and four interceptions.
Texas now gets Florida this weekend, and after that the schedule tightens up fast with four straight top 25 opponents. By Thanksgiving, there should be a much clearer idea of what the Longhorns have in Manning.
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Haynes helped steady the secondary with a composed showing in his first career start, while Wilson gave the front seven an impact play that fit the tenor of the afternoon. For a Sooners defense that needed reliable production in a rivalry game, the emergence of two young contributors is the kind of development that can change how a season feels from this point forward. [Read more 🡒]