Steve Sarkisian evaluates Arch Manning’s performance in loss to Florida
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The Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators each had a bye week to prepare for Saturday’s matchup. Texas entered the game with a top 10 ranking, but Florida looked like the better team from start to finish in a much needed 29-21 victory for Billy Napier.
Arch Manning had an uneven performance against the Gators. The Longhorn signal-caller completed 55.2% of his passes (16/29) for 263 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. It was the third time in 5 games that Manning failed to connect on 60% of his passes. Despite those struggles, his head coach, Steve Sarkisian, is proud of the way he battled versus Florida’s tough defense.
“I thought [Arch] competed his heart out,” Sarkisian said. “Don’t question his heart at all. He battled tonight.”
Manning has faced just 2 power conference foes so far this year. In those games — at Ohio State, at Florida — he has 33 of 59 passes (55.9%) for 433 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
The Buckeyes’ and Gators’ home field environments are some of the best in college football, so it’s not necessarily a surprise to see him have ups-and-downs. However, there’s no denying that he has not played to the standard many anticipated when they anointed him the Heisman Trophy favorite in the offseason.
Texas currently stands at 3-2 with wins over San Jose State, UTEP and Sam Houston State. There are still 4 ranked squads left on the Longhorns’ schedule, but barring victories against at least 3 of them (and their other 3 remaining opponents), this team won’t be sniffing the College Football Playoff. Next up: Oklahoma, at 3:30 p.m. E.T. on Oct. 11 (ABC).
