There are quarterback concerns in Austin after Texas suffered its second straight loss to an upset opponent.
after Longhorns loss 27-24 in Florida, concerns have grown about quarterback Arch Manning and his job safety as a starter. With No. 7 Ole Miss coming to Austin this Saturday, coach Steve Sarkisian is running out of time if he wants to make a change.
Three-time national champion coach and Big Noon Kickoff analyst Urban Meyer believes Manning’s grip on the job could be slipping, and he wouldn’t hesitate to turn to the backup if it gives Texas a better chance to win.
“The last two games against Ohio State, I finally sat back and said, ‘Wow. It’s Arch Manning. Here we go.’ And it’s been in reverse ever since,” Meyer said on Monday’s edition The flock.
Manning led the Longhorns to a thrilling 24-23 comeback victory over the then. 1 Ohio State in Week 2, which put Texas in first place shortly thereafter. After going nearly the entire game, the Texas offense strung together three straight field goals to upset the Buckeyes. Manning completed 23 of 27 passes for 198 yards, a touchdown and an interception to end the day.
Arch Manning has struggled since Texas’ fourth-quarter comeback over Ohio State in Week 2. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Since the heroics over the Buckeyes, Texas sits 1-2 in SEC play, beating Tennessee 20-17 and falling to Oklahoma and Florida by identical scores, 27-24.
In addition to the Longhorns’ second straight loss, Meyer noticed that Manning’s presence and style of play had changed.
“I see shaky legs. I see a lack of confidence. You saw a change the Wolverines made and it was immediate. The team’s excitement and enthusiasm went up,” Meyer said.
Meyer was referring to Michigan quarterback switch on Saturday. After a scoreless first half against Penn State, coach Kyle Whittingham benched starter Bryce Underwood for first-half backup Tommy Carr. After a scoreless first half with Underwood, Carr stepped in and led the Wolverines to a 21-18 victory over the Nittany Lions.
Now, if Texas decided to bench Manning before facing Ole Miss, Meyer wouldn’t consider the option.
“If the backup can help you win, I’d think about it.”