Texas is looking for a little more spark on offense, and Steve Sarkisian thinks the answer may be sitting right in front of him: Arch Manning’s legs.
Speaking Thursday during a Zoom availability, the Texas coach said Manning’s mobility was a major part of what worked for the Longhorns in the second half of last season. That included both designed runs and the kind of scrambles that turn broken plays into something manageable.
“I feel like when we were at our best last year as an offense, he was utilizing his legs,” Sarkisian said. “Whether it was on designed runs or scrambles when things broke down or even in the red area of understanding, you know, the run option element that he has at his disposal.”
Manning ran for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago, but this year those numbers have dipped sharply. He has just 102 rushing yards and no rushing scores so far.
Sarkisian also tied that idea to a bigger issue: Texas needs to cut down on negative plays. The sacks have been one of the biggest drive-killers, and he said that’s not on one part of the offense alone.
When asked about the number of sacks Manning has taken, Sarkisian said, “I think it’s probably a combination of all,” Sarkisian said.
He pointed to protection breakdowns against Tennessee, both in the game plan and in execution, while also saying Manning can do a better job of escaping pressure or getting to his checkdown when the pocket starts to collapse.
With seven conference games left, Sarkisian said Texas has to be better at staying on schedule.
“The negative plays, I think, then lend itself to third longs, three and outs,” Sarkisian said. “We got to stay ahead of the chains.
And how do we do that? We minimize the negative plays.”
Texas is back at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday to play Florida. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.
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