Texas coach Steve Sarkisian defended quarterback Arch Manning on Monday, suggesting the famous Manning name on his jersey is drawing outsized scrutiny. Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl winners Eli and Peyton, threw two costly fourth-quarter interceptions in the Longhorns' 27-24 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. The first was returned 42 yards for a touchdown by safety Peyton Bowen, giving the Sooners a 24-17 lead. The second, with 19 seconds left, set up Tate Sandell's winning 47-yard field goal.
"I think if you took the name off the back of his jersey and you said, 'Here's Joe Smith playing quarterback at the University of Texas and here's a guy who's beaten four top-10 ranked teams in his last 13 starts,' we'd be praising the guy," Sarkisian told reporters. "But the expectations are high for him, and he understands that."
Manning was considered a potential No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft and a Heisman Trophy contender before the season. He has completed 63% of his passes for 1,122 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Earlier this season, he helped Texas erase a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat then-No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in Austin. Against Oklahoma, he completed 19 of 31 passes for 260 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Texas running game was also held in check, managing only 122 yards and 3.8 yards per carry. The offense ranks 59th in the FBS in scoring at 31.4 points per game and 79th in total offense. Sarkisian acknowledged the unit has been "a little bit off" but said, "I think we're close, and that's the encouraging part."
Texas next hosts Florida on Saturday. The Gators stunned the Longhorns 29-21 in the Swamp last season.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing