Steve Sarkisian says Texas QB Arch Manning looks different in practice
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When the eighth-ranked Texas Longhorns take the field, all eyes are squarely focused on quarterback Arch Manning. With a legacy that precedes him and immense potential, Manning is currently navigating a tumultuous gap between expectation and performance.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday that the Manning Texas sees in practice is not the same Manning the nation has seen on game day.
“We see and we know what it looks like… He has had a great week, so I’m proud of him for that,” Sarkisian said.
After 3 games, the Longhorns have gone from perceived national championship contenders to facing a bit of widespread panic. Since arriving in Austin, especially during this past offseason, Manning has been heralded as the next great quarterback. Before the season, some even projected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
However, Manning has not looked the part. He has thrown for just 579 yards with six touchdowns against three interceptions while completing only 55.3% of his passes.
The mantra in sports often emphasizes that it’s not how you start but how you finish — and the Longhorns are banking on time being on their side as they look to unlock Manning’s true capabilities.
In Week 4, Texas (2-1) will host Sam Houston State (0-3), an opportunity for Manning not just to regain physical form but also to bolster his mental game. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns are a 39.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
