Texas is heading into the most important part of its season with Arch Manning back in Steve Sarkisian’s good graces.
That wasn’t the case a few weeks ago. Manning’s rough stretch came in back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Florida, both by 27-24, when he turned the ball over late three times in consecutive games - two interceptions and a fumble. In response, Sarkisian reportedly gave backup quarterback KJ Lacey more first-team work to push Manning.
Since then, Manning has answered with two straight wins. Texas beat Ole Miss 34-27 in Week 8 and followed that with a 31-3 rout of Mississippi State in Week 9, pushing the Longhorns to 6-2 and up from No. 19 to No. 10 in the AP Top 25. Over those two games, Manning completed 34 of 50 passes for 432 yards, with four touchdown passes and two interceptions.
That turnaround has changed the mood around the quarterback room in a hurry.
"I've never felt better about Arch Manning than I do this week," Sarkisian told the media Monday. "Like, this guy's ready.
He's a warrior, he's tough, his competitive spirit is extremely high. I thought he willed us to play football on the offensive side last week.
And that's what a quarterback does. What a difference a few weeks make."
Sarkisian also made clear the Longhorns still have work to do, especially up front. Texas has given up 24 sacks, which ranks No. 3 in the SEC. Even so, the coach’s message was that Manning’s response can be the standard for the rest of the offense as Texas enters a brutal stretch.
The schedule leaves little room for error. Three of Texas’ next four games are on the road, with No.
19 Missouri and No. 15 LSU coming in Weeks 10 and 11.
Both games carry major College Football Playoff weight.
ESPN’s predictor says Texas would have better than a 99 percent chance to make the CFP if it beats Missouri, LSU and the Texas A&M Aggies in its final three road games, even if it does not reach the SEC Championship Game. But if the Longhorns drop two of those games, their chances fall to three percent.
The margin is that thin, and Texas can’t afford a slip against Missouri, where star quarterback Austin Simmons has 16 touchdown passes, tied for No. 4 in the SEC. If Manning keeps matching that kind of firepower when the Longhorns visit the Tigers on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN, Sarkisian’s praise may only get louder.
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Texas Win Came With One Sideline Concern Fans Should Watch
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The bigger concern came from the secondary, where cornerback Graceson Littleton tested a lower-body injury at halftime and did not return. There is growing worry it could be a knee issue that might keep him out for the rest of the regular season, while wide receiver Cam Coleman also exited early after an injury and was seen briefly talking with Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte on the sideline. [Read more 🡒]