Have we ever thought-about the truth that Arch Manning may simply stink?
It’s both that, or he’s taking part in injured.
Or possibly each single NFL Draft and faculty soccer expertise evaluator beneath the solar was lifeless unsuitable, duped into shopping for the hype about probably the most polarizing faculty athletes since Johnny Manziel.
Manning struggled in Saturday’s 27-10 victory towards UTEP. Texas gained comfortably on the scoreboard, however Manning accomplished simply 11-of-25 passes for 114 yards, with one interception and one landing. He was even booed by the house crowd because the Longhorns’ offense sputtered towards an opponent paid $1.63 million to take a loss.
“I’ve bought to play higher,” Manning admitted after the sport. “Lots of quarterbacks — loads of gamers — need to be nice. I do know I am higher than this.”
Each Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian have denied that the QB is pushing by means of an damage. Nonetheless, cameras have repeatedly caught Manning grimacing after throws.
“He would not have any (damage),” Sarkisian mentioned, earlier than providing a weird comparability. “I do not know. I’ve by no means filmed any of you guys whenever you’re utilizing the lavatory, so I do not know what sort of faces you are making.”
Earlier than the season, Manning was a +800 betting favourite to win the Heisman Trophy. Simply three weeks in, his odds have cratered to +3500.
The skepticism has been brewing since Week 1. Manning struggled towards Ohio State — which many excused as a result of the Buckeyes boast one of many nation’s greatest defenses. In Week 2 towards San Jose State, he posted higher numbers (19-of-30, 295 yards, 4 touchdowns, one interception), although his inconsistencies endured. That efficiency nonetheless stands because the spotlight of his faculty profession up to now.
Now, the Longhorns have an actual downside.
Their comfortable early schedule has shielded Manning from nationwide scrutiny. That adjustments quickly. Texas hosts Sam Houston State in Week 4, however in early October they journey to Florida earlier than internet hosting No. 8 Oklahoma. Each video games will likely be beneath the nationwide highlight.
If Manning struggles once more, the criticism gained’t simply develop louder — it should change into unavoidable.
