Steve Sarkisian draws comparisons between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers that leave the Longhorns starter in a good light

Arch Manning - English NCAAF - English Oklahoma Sooners - English Quinn Ewers - English Rodrigo Oscós - Raíz Sports Steve Sarkisian - English Texas Longhorns - English

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The Texas Longhorns’ 3-2 record has pushed them into obscurity. With Arch Manning now under center, the team has lost the momentum it had built over the past two seasons. Competitiveness has slipped, though there is still time to turn things around.

The Longhorns have only one loss in SEC play, which keeps them in contention for better standings and perhaps even a postseason berth that could lead them to the conference final.

Arch Manning’s offensive struggles

In his sophomore, and his first leading the Texas offense, Arch Manning has faced challenges steering the team to victories. So far, he has thrown 11 touchdown passes against five interceptions, but has had to battle constant pressure from opposing defenses in nearly every game. As a result, he often holds onto the ball longer than ideal, waiting for a receiver to break free downfield.

While scrambling to avoid sacks, Manning must find a target to gain positive yardage-a task he has not always managed successfully. This week, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian drew comparisons between Manning and his former quarterback, Quinn Ewers, who is now with the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

Well, I think it all depends on what you’re trying to do offensively… Arch is a guy who can push the ball down the field, and especially early in the season, we’re trying to play to his strengths and do some things he does well. That sometimes requires holding the ball for an extra half-second or so, which stresses the protection a bit,” Sarkisian said, continuing the comparison between his current quarterback and his previous one.

With Quinn, he was an elite RPO guy, and everyone used to criticize him for throwing so many balls at or behind the line of scrimmage. What you try to do is find balance-the deep ball, the intermediate ball, and the short ball. Certain games or times in the season, you lean into one more than the other.

Sarkisian then added that Manning’s tendency to hold the ball longer is part of the team’s offensive design.

If you’re throwing a lot of quick game, RPOs, and screens, that number is going to be really low – maybe below two seconds. But if you’re trying to push it downfield or you’re behind in games, that number might be higher. Ideally, you’re probably in the mid-twos. That’s usually the average when it’s all said and done.

A key test against Oklahoma

This Saturday, October 11, Texas will face a tough challenge against Oklahoma. A loss could force the Longhorns to press the panic button and search for answers to get back on track.

If Manning continues to struggle, the coaching staff might have to consider the unthinkable: benching Arch Manning. Though that scenario still seems unlikely, it cannot be ruled out. Everything will depend on the outcome, and, of course, on his performance.

This news was originally published on this post .