{"id":474872,"date":"2026-10-23T22:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T22:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/474872\/"},"modified":"2026-10-23T22:18:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T22:18:10","slug":"texas-cant-make-arch-manning-the-scapegoat-for-its-offensive-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/474872\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Can’t Make Arch Manning the Scapegoat for Its Offensive Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arch Manning<\/a> and game-sealing turnovers have seemingly gone hand-in-hand these past two weeks.<\/p>\n

It was Manning who lost the football against Florida, which virtually ended the game, and it was Manning who threw two fourth-quarter interceptions against Oklahoma that contributed to Texas\u2019 first loss of the season.<\/p>\n

His mistakes have been costly and deserve the criticism he\u2019s getting.<\/p>\n

But with Texas\u2019 offense continuing to struggle, singling out Manning would overlook the problems with the unit surrounding him.<\/p>\n

Texas has struggled to protect its quarterback, establish a consistent run game and execute in critical situations.<\/p>\n

Simply replacing the quarterback isn\u2019t going to make them disappear.<\/p>\n

The Protection Problems Extend Beyond Manning\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Trent Wilson tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

One of the biggest issues has been Texas\u2019 inability to consistently keep defenders out of the backfield.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Through three SEC games, the Longhorns have surrendered 26 tackles for loss, with 11 alone coming against Florida.<\/p>\n

Those losses reflect Texas’ inability to consistently create running lanes and protect its quarterback, with Manning having been sacked eight times over the past two weeks.<\/p>\n

Of course, not every sack can simply be chalked up to poor line play. Manning has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long and be far too indecisive when facing pressure. But the players responsible for protecting him haven\u2019t been all too consistent when defenses rush extra men.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t hurt the blitz enough, and we haven\u2019t discouraged the blitz enough,\u201d Steve Sarkisian said on Monday. \u201cI do think there\u2019s a couple of things schematically that we can do better \u2026 and I think there\u2019s some things that individuals can do better in blocking those blitzes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Manning has a responsibility to recognize pressure and make timely decisions, the offensive line, tight ends and running backs must execute their assignments for the offense to function efficiently.<\/p>\n

That hasn\u2019t been the case.<\/p>\n

Execution Has Been a Problem Across the Offense\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian prepares to lead his team onto the field to start the college football game against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s handoffs on crucial fourth-and-ones or sacks taken in third-and-short situations, Texas<\/a> goes backwards on the plays where it matters most.<\/p>\n

Take a late first-half possession, when Texas still held a 17\u20133 lead. It\u2019s fourth-and-one, Texas calls a handoff to Hollywood Smothers, but Florida stuffs the A-gap before the play can even develop.<\/p>\n

That trend continued into the second half, where Texas failed to convert a single third- or fourth-and-short opportunity.<\/p>\n

Manning certainly bears responsibility for the fourth-quarter failure, but what about the plays where he simply hands the ball off? There\u2019s no difficult read or open receiver to find, yet Texas still can\u2019t consistently get the one or two yards it needs to keep a drive alive.<\/p>\n

Those failures won\u2019t be as memorable as a fourth-quarter fumble, but they can be just as costly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Does that absolve Manning of his mistakes? Not at all. His pocket presence and his decision-making need to improve.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But an interception is easy to point to. So is a fumble on the final possession. The failed blitz pickups and short-yardage breakdowns that come before them, well, they don’t get placed under the magnifying glass the same way Manning’s mishaps do.<\/p>\n

So yes, with No. 7 Ole Miss coming to Austin on Saturday<\/a>, Texas needs more from Manning<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But just as importantly, it needs more from the rest of its offense.<\/p>\n

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