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Arch Manning eyes Ohio State rematch after rough debut

ESPN General •
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Arch Manning gets a second chance against Ohio State on Saturday, a year after his Texas debut ended in a 14-7 loss. Manning struggled early in that game, going 9-of-15 for 38 yards and an interception in the first three quarters, before rallying to finish 17-of-30 for 132 yards and a touchdown. He admitted Monday he doesn't enjoy revisiting that performance but is excited for the rematch.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian defended the team's effort in last year's game, noting the Longhorns ran for 166 yards on 37 carries. He said the passing game faltered only after falling behind, and he believes the team has grown since then. The rematch is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

The game features significant star power, with three Heisman Trophy contenders, including Manning, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin. ESPN Analytics rates it as a 100.0 in pregame matchup quality, the highest of the season, and Sarkisian expects it to be the most-watched regular-season game ever.

Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman sent a clear message about the Longhorns' mindset, saying, "They can expect that we're coming." With the No. 5 Longhorns slight favorites over the No. 1 Buckeyes, Saturday's clash promises to be a defining moment for both teams.