The Arch Manning era at Texas has gotten off to a rocky start, but the quarterback vows he and the Longhorns will improve.
‘I know the type of player that I am,’ Manning said on Monday, Sept. 15. ‘I know I’m going to play better and we’re going to be better as an offense.’
All of the buzz and excitement surrounding Manning has turned into frustration and concern in Austin as the preseason Heisman Trophy candidate hasn’t met the lofty expectations set on him. He struggled in the season opener against Ohio State and was able to shake off a shaky start against San Jose State in Week 2, although coach Steve Sarkisian had to downplay rumors his quarterback was injured.
The narrative didn’t get better in Week 3 against UTEP. Manning and Texas struggled against the Miners; he was 5-for-16 with 69 yards and an interception in the first 30 minutes, including 10 consecutive incompletions as he was unable to hit his receivers. Boos rained down in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium as the team went into halftime with a 14-3 lead.
Manning finished 11-for-25 passing for 114 yards − a career low in games he has started − with one touchdown and an interception.
It has caused worry as the No. 7 Longhorns wrap up non-conference play and prepare for an SEC schedule that includes Florida, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia and Texas A&M. Texas will play 0-3 Sam Houston at home on Saturday, Sept. 20.
‘It’s frustrating because I know I’m better than that,’ Manning said. ‘But you know, we’re going to be better this week and get clicking on offense. I’m excited to get going.’
Sarkisian had a similar belief in Manning. After he said his quarterback played ‘athlete football’ against UTEP, Sarkisian said he expects Manning is ‘going to right this ship quickly.’
‘I think you learn a lot about yourself through adversity and overcoming adversity,’ Sarkisian said. ‘To have some of this adversity that he has right now, and when he gets on the other side of it, I think all of this is going to serve not only well for him but well for us as a team. Love the challenge for him.’
The 2-1 Longhorns host the Bearkats at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. ET.