Greg McElroy weighs in on lofty expectations for Arch Manning, Texas
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Greg McElroy provided his take on the overwhelming hype surrounding Arch Manning and Texas by playing a game of ‘What If?’
McElroy pondered the question, “What if Arch Manning lives up to the expectations?”
The ESPN analyst went on to explain that, given Manning is currently a Heisman Trophy front-runner, Texas could win its first national title in 20 years if Manning excels in his first season as the full-time starter.
“Our expectations are for him to go out and throw for 40+ touchdowns, knowing his mobility and athleticism are going to be huge parts of this offense’s attack,” McElroy said.
But the former Alabama quarterback did walk it back in denying that Manning is going to achieve all that and then some, as he emphasized that the preseason expectations from all over the country are nearly impossible for the young quarterback to achieve.
“Our expectations are probably a little unfair,” McElroy said. “I’m super excited and would never bet against this young man, but I still feel like our expectations have gotten to the point that–regardless of what he does–we won’t be ‘wowed’ because that’s the expectation we had going into the year.”
In 10 appearances last season, Manning accounted for 939 passing yards, 108 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. He’ll open his first season as the full-time starter against the defending national champs, Ohio State, in the Horseshoe.
Current Missouri student entering my third year of covering Tiger football and basketball. Contributor to The Transfer Portal CFB and overall college athletics enthusiast.
