No. 1 Texas is rolling into Week 4 with a perfect 3-0 record, and all eyes are on quarterback Arch Manning as they face No. 14 Tennessee on the road. This kid’s been at the top of every NFL Draft list, especially after taking down Ohio State in Week 2, and the buzz around him and Head Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns just keeps growing. But here’s the kicker: even with all that heat, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt is not convinced Manning has hit the hype.
Joel Klatt Dropped a Truth Bomb on Arch Manning’s Game
Seriously, Manning’s last name alone brings insane expectations. Last season, his first as a starter, got off to a rough start, but he finished strong by beating then-No. 7 Texas A&M. That strong finish made him a super intriguing quarterback in a deep NFL Draft class, ready to show out this year. So, what’s the deal now? Klatt dropped the hammer on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” on Wednesday, saying Arch has “just been OK, at best.” He gave props for Manning playing “really gritty for three series against Ohio State” and competing his butt off, but then immediately followed up with a jab about his play against UTSA, stating he “needs to play better.”
Are The Stats Telling a Different Story, Or Is It The Crew Around Him?
Now, let’s look at the numbers. Through three games this season, Manning has completed 59-of-96 passes for 661 yards, thrown seven touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Those aren’t bad stats for an “OK, at best” performance, right? What really helps Manning’s case for his talent and potential is the firepower Sarkisian brought in during the offseason. They reloaded with serious weapons like wide receiver Cam Coleman and running back Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers, giving Manning a seriously balanced offense to navigate a tough conference schedule. Is he great, or is his supporting cast making him look great? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Winning on the Road Is Brutal, And The Schedule Isn’t Getting Easier
Looking ahead to this Week 4 clash with true freshman Faizon Brandon and the Volunteers, Klatt wasn’t shy about how tough it is to win away from home, especially against a top-25 squad. He said Texas “can run the football,” and that they have “some backs that they trust,” which is crucial. But he also emphasized, “They need to play quality defense.” Klatt pointed out that “it’s really tough to win on the road,” noting how home teams have taken every big game this year. He picked Texas to win, but thinks “it’s going to be a very close game.” After this monster road contest at Tennessee, the Longhorns still have to deal with No. 4 Ole Miss and No. 21 Florida at home, plus road trips to No. 10 LSU and No. 23 Texas A&M. This road trip to Tennessee is huge. If Manning can lead Texas to a big SEC road win here, the momentum could blast them through the rest of this insane schedule and maybe, just maybe, straight into the College Football Playoff. It’s time to see if “just OK” is good enough, or if Arch can truly turn it on when it matters most.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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