Before Arch Manning even stepped onto the field as the Texas starter, we had already built him up into a legend. But the real story is how quickly we tore him down when he didn’t instantly live up to the hype. Now, Manning is on the verge of proving us wrong—twice. Let’s dive into three pivotal plays that showcase his remarkable growth this season, and why they’re more than just highlights—they’re proof of his evolving potential.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Manning didn’t start the season as the record-breaking phenom we imagined. Early struggles, compounded by an inconsistent offensive line, left many questioning whether he could live up to his famous surname. But here’s where it gets interesting: In the high-stakes Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma, Manning didn’t just survive—he thrived. His performance in the 23-6 victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that he’s becoming the quarterback we envisioned during the offseason. Will he carry this momentum into Saturday’s game against Kentucky? Only time will tell, but last week’s performance was undeniably promising.
In the Cotton Bowl, the offensive line wasn’t flawless, but Manning’s ability to turn potential disasters into neutral plays—or even gains—was a game-changer. Instead of crumbling under pressure, he used his mobility to keep plays alive, setting the stage for the offense to flourish once the line found its rhythm. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about avoiding sacks; it was about his poise and decision-making under pressure. For instance, on a first-quarter throw to DeAndre Moore, Manning kept his eyes downfield despite chaos in the pocket, delivering a 24-yard gain that showcased his growing confidence.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has a point when he says, ‘We’re a team, and Arch will be the first one to tell you that.’ But let’s be honest—Manning deserves a fair share of the credit for the turnaround. He took just one sack against Oklahoma and led the offense to convert 10 of 17 third downs. Remember the six sacks against Florida? Manning’s ability to evade rushers and keep plays alive in the Oklahoma game was a stark contrast, proving he’s learning to handle pressure both physically and mentally.
Now, let’s break down a play that perfectly encapsulates Manning’s growth. In the second half, facing third-and-8 at the Oklahoma 12-yard line, his protection was solid, but a receiver ran the wrong route. Instead of hesitating, Manning ripped a touchdown pass to Moore, showcasing his ability to adapt and trust his instincts. But here’s the controversial part: Is Manning’s success solely due to his talent, or is it a product of the system and his supporting cast? Sarkisian would argue it’s a team effort, but Manning’s individual plays—like the 29-yard throw to Parker Livingstone under extreme pressure—suggest he’s bringing something special to the table.
Speaking of that Livingstone throw, it was more than just a completion. With a 292-pound defensive tackle bearing down on him, Manning had to make a split-second decision to avoid a safety. His throw wasn’t just accurate; it was a psychological blow to Oklahoma’s defense. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: After escaping the sack, Manning shot a withering look back at the defender, a moment that screamed, ‘I’ve got this.’ Is this the swagger of a quarterback who’s finally found his stride, or just a fleeting moment of confidence? The debate is worth having.
So, are we giving Manning too much credit? Maybe. But if we’re being fair, we also gave him too much blame earlier in the season. The truth is, Manning isn’t a perfect blend of Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, or his uncles—and he doesn’t need to be. What he’s showing is the potential to become a highly effective college quarterback, one play at a time. His improvement might not be linear, but that’s the beauty of college football—growth is rarely a straight line.
Manning himself puts it best: ‘I wasn’t playing well, and I’m going to continue to get better.’ His humility and focus are as impressive as his on-field progress. But here’s the question we can’t ignore: Can Manning sustain this level of play, or will he face more setbacks? And if he does, how will we react this time? Let’s keep the conversation going—what do you think? Is Manning the real deal, or is there still work to be done? Sound off in the comments and let’s debate!
