The Arch Manning Hype Isn’t the Problem — Losing Is
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Texas coach Steve Sarkisian admitted he made a tactical mistake: he should’ve used Arch Manning more in the run game during the first half. A couple of hits might have helped his quarterback settle into the matchup against Ohio State. 
“We’re figuring out a better approach for him,” Sarkisian said after No. 1 Texas fell 14-7 to No. 2 Ohio State, in a game where Manning struggled to find his rhythm.
But Sarkisian also misfired elsewhere — particularly when he suggested that the outside hype surrounding Manning had gotten “out of control.”
Out of control? That sounds more like something a losing coach says when his quarterback has a rough outing.
Let’s be real: This is Arch Manning — grandson of Southern football royalty Archie Manning and nephew to legends Peyton and Eli. A five-star talent pursued by the biggest names in college football, Manning also benefits from elite weapons and a well-funded program stacked with NIL money.
Sure, some TV analysts went overboard on the hype, but it’s not unreasonable to expect him to live up to his name, his ranking, or his paycheck. Against Ohio State, he didn’t do any of those. Sarkisian’s right that the game plan should’ve leaned more on Manning’s legs once it was clear his arm wasn’t clicking.
“I’ve got to let him go play,” Sarkisian admitted.
There’s still plenty of season left, and while Sarkisian missed the mark on calling the expectations excessive, he’s correct about one thing: “Let’s finish the book before we judge him,” he said. “This is just one chapter.”
An ugly one, no doubt. Even Manning owned up to it.
“Ultimately, not good enough,” he said. “It starts with me… I’ve got to play better for us to win.”
Texas Still Has Fight — But Not Because of QB Play
Don’t pin this loss on the Longhorns’ defense — that group played well enough to keep Texas in contention. The offensive line and run game (166 yards) also held their own. The issue was Manning, who couldn’t get in sync.
Yet Texas still had the ball inside Ohio State territory in the final minutes with a chance to tie. That says something.
Yes, Texas went 1-for-5 on fourth down, including a failed QB sneak by Manning from the 1-yard line. A few of those moments swing the other way, and the outcome could’ve been different.
That kind of thinking — the “what if” game — doesn’t win championships, but it does suggest this team isn’t broken. It’s just unclear how much of a difference-maker Manning is right now. Granted, he was facing an elite Ohio State secondary.
Was This Manning’s Worst Game? Let’s Hope So
Even national champs stumble. Ohio State lost twice last season and still claimed the title. Sarkisian even argued that the days of undefeated champions are likely gone, especially with tougher schedules.
Manning claimed he didn’t feel rattled in his first road start. But if he wasn’t, he sure looked it. His first throw hit the dirt well short. Other passes flew high or wide. His third-quarter interception came on a tentative, unconvincing attempt. He lacked any serious downfield success until Ohio State already had a 14-point lead.
By the time his final throw fell short of the sticks, those so-called “out of control” expectations were already being recalibrated.
He’s no longer the Heisman favorite — though that award is usually won in November, not August. And Texas’ title odds took a hit, too.
If this wasn’t his worst performance of the season, then Texas is in trouble.
“I sure hope so,” Manning said. “I do think so.”
That’s the new standard — and it’s still a high one.
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