The Texas Longhorns have suffered back-to-back losses. They could be on the verge of a third consecutive defeat with the Ole Miss Rebels coming to town in Week 8. With their season on the line, people are contemplating a chance under center. If Paul Finebaum were in charge of the Longhorns, a swap would be made.
During Monday’s episode of First Take, Finebaum expressed that KJ Lacey Jr. — who is reportedly getting more run with the first-team this week — should start over Arch Manning against the Rebels.
“It’s a painful thing to say… what’s the point in continuing this agony?” Finebaum asked. “If you’re going to give KJ the reps in practice, let him start the game… give him a series or two. Are you wasting it? Maybe. But maybe Arch Manning will pick something up on the sideline.”
Manning completed 70% of his passes (14/20) for 173 yards and a touchdown vs. the Florida Gators. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said Manning will start against the Rebels in Week 8, and clearly still has confidence in his signal-caller. Finebaum believes Manning could still be a good player, but not with the way his head coach handles things.
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“I still think [Arch Manning] can be an elite quarterback. But I also believe that Steve Sarkisian has completely screwed it up,” Finebaum said. “[He] shouldn’t be the offensive coordinator… he has put too much into Arch Manning’s head.”
Texas will be all but eliminated from the College Football Playoff chase with a loss to Ole Miss. The Longhorns and Rebels face off under the lights on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
