{"id":135232,"date":"2025-09-05T18:18:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T18:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/135232\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T18:18:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T18:18:16","slug":"slow-down-the-overreactions-on-texas-qb-arch-manning-sports-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/135232\/","title":{"rendered":"Slow down the overreactions on Texas QB Arch Manning | Sports Coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heavy is the crown for anyone who slips on that white helmet with a burnt orange Longhorn logo on it, but it\u2019s even heavier for the quarterback whose jersey has one of the most famous last names in football on it.<\/p>\n

For Arch Manning, his long-awaited debut as the full-time starting quarterback at Texas was a major disappointment. He admitted as much after he finished with\u00a0170 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception in a\u00a014-7 loss to Ohio State.<\/p>\n

\u201cUltimately, not good enough,\u201d Manning said.<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) walks past Ohio State fans flashing “Horns Down” as he heads to the locker room after an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025., in Columbus, Ohio. (Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman via AP)<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins<\/p>\n

While he didn\u2019t meet his own expectations, is the nationwide reaction \u2014 a firestorm of segments on national sports shows already deeming him a “bust” \u2014 Manning\u2019s fault, or ours?<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t help that immediately after Manning and the Longhorns had one of several three-and-outs on offense last Saturday afternoon the first commercial the over 16 million people watching at home saw was Arch and his dad, Cooper, in a Warby Parker ad for glasses.<\/p>\n

But let\u2019s not forget the setting for Manning\u2019s first big time start in college football (he started twice last season against Louisiana Monroe and UTSA). It was on the road against the defending national champions in one of the toughest stadiums to play in as a visitor.<\/p>\n

Add in the fact that not just Texas fans, but the nation as a whole, have been waiting over three years for this moment.<\/p>\n

There really is no comparison for the hype surrounding Arch. Not even former Colorado star Shedeur Sanders, who had the pressure of living up to his dad and coach, Deion, had to deal with this level of meticulous media scrutiny prior to his first real start in college.<\/p>\n

While Shedeur had SEC offers out of high school, he was a middle-of-the-road four-star recruit set to play at Florida Atlantic before his dad accepted the job at Jackson State. Even then, the nation only paid attention in spurts as Shedeur and Coach Prime lit up the FCS level for two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Colorado<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders talks to quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo\/Rick Scuteri)<\/p>\n

Rick Scuteri<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Arch \u2014 the latest in\u00a0a long line of Mannings to star on the football field \u2014 committed to the Longhorns in June 2022 as the No. 1 recruit in his class. Just like uncle and former Broncos QB Peyton Manning did when he spurned Ole Miss for Tennessee out of high school, Arch chose to join a program where he knew he\u2019d likely have to sit behind a returning starter for at least one season.<\/p>\n

His time as Quinn Ewers\u2019 backup wound up being two seasons and that only added to the level of anticipation for when Arch would eventually become the starter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe expectations were out of control on the outside,\u201d Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian said.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not like anyone in his family tried to slow down the hype train, either.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe makes throws I couldn\u2019t even think of making,\u201d Peyton said on the \u2018Pat McAfee Show\u2019 earlier this summer.<\/p>\n

\"Falcons<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning walks the field before an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo\/Jack Dempsey)<\/p>\n

Jack Dempsey<\/p>\n

None of that can be ignored and still, Arch\u2019s performance \u2014 while improved as the game went on \u2014 simply fell flat. His mechanics were off at times as he threw one interception and missed a handful of other open wide receivers, including on a crucial third down in the final minutes as Texas tried desperately to tie the game up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe game can mount on you a little bit,\u201d Sarkisian said. \u201cThis game was a very tight game that I don\u2019t think he needed to press (in) and I think he\u2019ll learn that as we go. We saw some real flashes and glimpses of the type of player that he\u2019s going to become here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he started to play football in the second half the way he\u2019s capable of playing.<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Texas quarterback Arch Manning plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo\/Jay LaPrete)<\/p>\n

Jay LaPrete<\/p>\n

Even in the immediate aftermath of a performance he knew was going to be talked about on every major sports show this week \u2014 which it has been \u2014 Arch handled it well, owning every question about his poor showing and simply saying he needs to be better for his team to win.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve gotta play better for us to win,\u201d Arch said multiple times.<\/p>\n

But he\u2019s confident the nation of skeptics after his season debut were quick to judge him following one bad start on the road against arguably the best team in the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019re gonna look back (at the end of the season) and say, \u2018Wow, we\u2019ve improved a lot,\u2019\u201d\u00a0 he said.<\/p>\n

The blueprint is certainly there for improvement. Even years after his Hall of Fame career ended, people bring up that Peyton still owns the rookie interception record in the NFL.<\/p>\n

Just like Peyton\u2019s was back then, Arch\u2019s story is far from over.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s finish the book before we judge him,\u201d Sarkisian said. \u201cThat\u2019s one chapter.”<\/p>\n

5 Games to Watch<\/p>\n

No. 16 Iowa State vs. Iowa (10 a.m., FOX)<\/p>\n

\"Iowa<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) is sacked by Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn (48) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo\/Charlie Neibergall)<\/p>\n

Charlie Neibergall<\/p>\n

In the last seven meetings between the two programs fighting for their Cy-Hawk Trophy, no game has been decided by more than 10 points. Four times has the game come down to a field goal or less. It should be another tight affair this season in Ames as the Cyclones are home favorites and in search of back-to-back wins over the Hawkeyes for the first time in 13 years. Iowa State QB Rocco Becht might just be the real deal \u2014 and the difference in the game.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s pick: Iowa +3.5<\/p>\n

\n Your daily report on everything sports in Colorado – covering the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and columns from Woody Paige and Paul Klee.\n <\/p>\n

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.<\/p>\n

No. 17 SMU vs. Baylor (10 a.m., CW)<\/p>\n

\"East<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates a touchdown pass to teammate Jalen Cooper during the second half of an NCAA college football against East Texas A&M game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo\/LM Otero)<\/p>\n

LM Otero<\/p>\n

The Bears might have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Sawyer Robertson, but his 419 passing yards and three touchdowns still wasn\u2019t enough in Baylor\u2019s loss to Auburn last week. The brutal schedule to begin the season continues on the road against an SMU team that surprised some by making the playoff last season, but the Mustangs have a star QB of their own in Kevin Jennings.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s pick: SMU -2.5<\/p>\n

Missouri vs. Kansas (1:30 p.m., ESPN2)<\/p>\n

\"James<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Kansas running back James Sims (29) rushes past Missouri linebacker Luke Lambert (33) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. (AP Photo\/Orlin Wagner)<\/p>\n

Orlin Wagner<\/p>\n

The Border War is back! Apologies to Colorado State and Wyoming, but Kansas and Missouri have a rightful claim to the name for their rivalry given it was named after an actual war between the two states, even if both schools started calling it the \u2018Border Showdown\u2019 in 2004. It\u2019s the first meeting on the gridiron since Mizzou left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012. There is going to be a lot of emotion in Columbia, Mo. on Saturday afternoon, but look for veteran Kansas QB Jalon Daniels to be a difference maker after his hot start to the season.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s pick: Kansas +6.5<\/p>\n

Mississippi State vs. No. 12 Arizona State (5:30 p.m., ESPN2)<\/p>\n

\"N<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Arizona State running back Raleek Brown, left, celebrates his touchdown run against Northern Arizona with Arizona State offensive lineman Jimeto Obigbo (55) and Arizona State offensive lineman Ben Coleman (62) during the first half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo\/Ross D. Franklin)<\/p>\n

Ross D. Franklin<\/p>\n

One of the early signs the Sun Devils were for real last season was their Week 2 win at home over Mississippi State, who although disappointing in recent years still have SEC talent all over the roster. Kenny Dillingham and ASU make the return trip to Starkville, Miss., this year and with a much different national perception. All eyes will be on the QB-WR combo of Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson to make a statement in SEC country.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s pick: Arizona State -6.5<\/p>\n

No. 18 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Michigan (5:30 p.m., ABC)<\/p>\n

\"Illinois<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass against Illinois State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo\/Alonzo Adams)<\/p>\n

Alonzo Adams<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one game to watch in Week 2, it\u2019s this one. It\u2019s the only matchup between ranked opponents and it\u2019s a big one. Both teams beat up on inferior opponents in Week 1 and now will learn a lot about their respective rosters in yet another important Big Ten vs. SEC clash. This one will likely be decided by the newcomers at quarterback. Wolverines freshman phenom Bryce Underwood flashed his other-wordly potential in his college debut, but this could be the coming out party for Washington State transfer John Mateer as he tries to cement himself as the latest star Sooners QB.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s pick: Oklahoma -2.5<\/p>\n

King\u2019s YTD record ATS: 2-3<\/p>\n

King\u2019s Top 5 Heisman Candidates<\/p>\n

1. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU<\/p>\n

\"LSU<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) reacts in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo\/Jacob Kupferman)<\/p>\n

Jacob Kupferman<\/p>\n

In a battle of arguably the top two NFL prospects at quarterback, it was Nussmeier who had the more impressive day, outdueling Clemson\u2019s Cade Klubnik to give Brian Kelly his first win in a season opener with the Tigers and maybe the most impressive victory in Week 1, given it came on the road where as Ohio State won at home. Nussmeier completed nearly 74% of his passes on 38 attempts as he racked up 232 yards and a touchdown in the final season opener of his college career.<\/p>\n

2. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Even though Arch Manning was the big talking point coming out of the Ohio State-Texas showdown, the reason he struggled so much was because of the success the Buckeyes defense had all afternoon long. After not featuring much in his first two seasons, Reese proved he may be Ohio State\u2019s next big defensive star with his Week 1 showing \u2014 9 tackles and a sack \u2014 against the Longhorns.<\/p>\n

3. Tommy Castellanos, QB, Florida State<\/p>\n

\"Alabama<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) scores a 9-yard rushing touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo\/Phelan M. Ebenhack)<\/p>\n

Phelan M. Ebenhack<\/p>\n

Preseason smack talk directed at Alabama is not often advised, but Castellanos was right when he said \u201cNick Saban isn\u2019t here to save\u201d this year\u2019s Crimson Tide team. The Boston College transfer QB powered the way in the Seminoles\u2019 impressive upset win over Kalen DeBoer\u2019s team, throwing for 152 yards and rushing for 78 with a touchdown in his FSU debut.<\/p>\n

4. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State<\/p>\n

\"Nevada<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton tackles Nevada quarterback Chubba Purdy (13) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo\/Barry Reeger)<\/p>\n

Barry Reeger<\/p>\n

Stepping out of Abdul Carter\u2019s shadow is no small task, but Dennis-Sutton showed he\u2019s more than ready to be the next superstar defensive end in Happy Valley with his dominant Week 1 performance. He was named Pro Football Focus\u2019 run defender of the week and received a 97.3 run defense grade after helping limit Nevada to just 78 rushing yards on over 30 attempts, while also filling up the stat sheet with a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.<\/p>\n

5. Josh Hoover, QB, TCU<\/p>\n

\"TCU<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover looks to pass the ball against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo\/Chris Seward)<\/p>\n

Chris Seward<\/p>\n

The stage was set up for Bill Belichick on Monday night, but the real star coming out of the game in Chapel Hill was Hoover, who made sure to show everyone why SEC teams came calling with multi-million dollar NIL deals this offseason. Hoover threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns last season and got off to a great start in 2025 with 284 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win over North Carolina.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Heavy is the crown for anyone who slips on that white helmet with a burnt orange Longhorn logo…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":135233,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[2662,68104,84913,75613,7820,68105,399,398,396,397,99],"class_list":["post-135232","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-college-sports","tag-csg-web","tag-csu-rams","tag-cu-buffs","tag-denver-broncos","tag-dg-print","tag-football","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=135232"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135232\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/135233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=135232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=135232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}