Joel Klatt insists Texas’ offense shouldn’t be centered around Arch Manning
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The Texas Longhorns kept their season alive in Week 8 with their 34-27 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. Texas’ triumph was buoyed by its rushing attack. The Longhorns ran for 207 yards and three touchdowns against the Rebels, which helped them overcome two interceptions from Arch Manning to win the game.
Folks across the industry have called for Manning to be benched in recent weeks. Joel Klatt even claimed earlier this month that Texas’ offense was better under Manning’s predecessor. However, based on recent comments, that belief seems to stem from head coach Steve Sarkisian‘s scheme than Manning’s talent, or lack thereof.
“If Texas was less Arch-centered, they would be better,” Klatt said during his namesake college football show on Monday. “The offense doesn’t have to run through him… if they built a game plan that was centered around owning the line of scrimmage and then getting to the passing game… that team would be scary… they would be the best team in the country.”
Klatt made a “big distinction” and noted he wasn’t calling for Manning to be benched. He thinks Manning needs to be the Longhorns’ quarterback for them to reach their ceiling. That said, the philosophical shift is one he considers to be necessary.
It seems unlikely at this point of the season that Sarkisian and Co. would alter their approach, but you never know. Texas’ next game comes vs. Mississippi State on Halloween night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
