Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning addressed the questions around his form and future with some bold responses in his latest press conference.
Manning has been held responsible for shrinking when the Longhorns need him most, with the program already losing two games on the season, both being winnable affairs if Manning could have delivered in crunch time.
After the Longhorns’ 27-24 loss to Florida on October 17, rumours that coach Steve Sarkisian might bench Manning were rife, with the 22-year-old QB responding emphatically.
Arch Manning says all the right things as Texas weigh benching him
In his latest press conference, Manning addressed questions around his form and status as starting QB directly.
“I fully expect myself to play better. I haven’t put good film on tape for the last five weeks. I am gonna be better, for my teammates, for myself, and for the coach… Losing is never fun; not playing well is never fun. This team is built for adversity; I am built for adversity, and we are gonna respond. I know that…
“I feel like I have been a little too hesitant… Like you said, ‘Just let it rip.’ I am gonna die on the hill that I am letting it rip.”
Manning’s comments come after a reported decision internally among the Longhorn coaching staff to start giving more first-team reps to backup QB KJ Lacey Jr., signalling that the Longhorns are readying Manning’s backup to step in if he cannot correct his freefall in form.
“Sources: Texas is expected to give an uptick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice. Arch Manning still projects as the Texas starter. The uptick in Lacey’s reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle.”
The Longhorns have a road game against the No. 7-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on October 24, making it a tough test for Manning. However, he needs to step up in a game that important to prove not only that he should remain Texas’ starting QB but also that he belongs in the NFL after the college season is done.
Manning has gone 106/166 on pass attempts for 1,295 yards, 11 TDs, and five INTs, with 17 sacks. Despite the raw numbers being decent, Manning ranks near the bottom half for SEC QBs in terms of yards and completions, while his PFF grades have been a letdown.
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