Texas Longhorns junior quarterback Arch Manning is under the microscope heading into Saturday’s home game against the Ole Miss Rebels (ABC, 7:30 p.m. ET).
Manning committed three fourth-quarter turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) in consecutive losses to the Oklahoma Sooners and Florida Gators in Weeks 6 and 7, and Texas (4-2) has dropped from No. 1 to No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Amid the struggles, the Longhorns are reportedly increasing backup QB KJ Lacey’s first-team reps in this week’s practice. Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Monday that Manning remains the starter but appears to be tightening the screws on the 22-year-old passer.
Let’s take a breath before leveling Manning with more criticism.
Manning has hit some turbulence, sure, but he’s not a flop. The numbers back that up. With that in mind, let’s compare and contrast his performance through 21 career starts to former Texas QBs Vince Young, Colt McCoy and Quinn Ewers.
