Fans, media react to Arch Manning’s nightmare first half vs. Ohio State
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It’s early, but Arch Manning is struggling to live up to the hype in his first big-game start for Texas.
Manning and the Longhorns were shutout in the first half against the Buckeyes on Saturday afternoon. He completed 5-of-10 passes for just 26 yards. Manning also rushed for 13 yards on 5 carries in the first half.
This was always going to be a tough test for Manning in what was just the third start of his collegiate career overall. He came into this game with just 95 career pass attempts on his résumé, the vast majority of which came in games vs. UTSA, Mississippi State and Louisiana-Monroe in 2024.
Manning is also dealing with an inexperienced wide receiver room as Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond are now in the NFL. The Longhorns are also without a go-to tight end as Gunnar Helm turned pro after the 2024 season as well, taking away another potential target for Manning in the passing game.
Manning’s counterpart in this game, Julian Sayin, has also struggled with the spotlight in the first half. He completed 6-of-11 passes for 53 yards, but did lead the Buckeyes on a touchdown drive to make it 7-0. That proved to be the only scoring either team was able to manage in the first half.
Here’s the best of the social media reaction to Manning’s first half in Columbus:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
