Arch Manning Has Been Hit 45 Times in Three Weeks and Oklahoma Knows Exactly What to Do

SEC Nation analyst Chase Daniel just dropped a bombshell about Texas Longhorns star quarterback Arch Manning: the guy is “a completely different quarterback when he gets hit.” And get this, Manning has been hit 45 times in the last three weeks alone. That’s the playbook for Oklahoma heading into the 122nd Red River Rivalry this Saturday.

The #1 Longhorns Aren’t Invincible

This isn’t just any game, it’s the Red River Rivalry, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer. The #1 Texas Longhorns roll in at 4-0, looking like national championship contenders. Arch Manning leads that offense, throwing for 862 yards, seven touchdowns, and three picks, completing 63.5% of his passes. On the other side, Oklahoma sits at 2-2, facing some major question marks. But don’t sleep on the Sooners’ defense. They’re ranked #5 in total defense, #4 in passing yards allowed, #41 in rushing yards allowed, and #25 in scoring defense. Those are legit numbers, even if the record isn’t pretty.

Hit Him Early, Hit Him Often

Daniel, talking live from outside the Cotton Bowl, didn’t pull any punches. He agrees with Steve Sarkisian that Manning is playing better than last year, but that critical weakness remains: he can be rattled. “I think that’s the biggest thing for OU defensively. Can you hit Arch Manning early?” Daniel said. That’s the challenge, plain and simple: make Manning uncomfortable from the jump. Oklahoma’s got the talent to bring the heat, but they’ve gotta do it smart. No losing assignments, no giving up easy plays that Manning can exploit. Just consistent, relentless pressure.

This Is Where Oklahoma Resets the Narrative

If Oklahoma’s D-line wins the battle up front, delivers those timely hits, and forces Manning into bad decisions, this game could totally flip the script. This isn’t just about a win; it’s about building a strong foundation, taking momentum out of Dallas, and resetting the narrative on their entire season. Get ready for some fireworks, because the Sooners know exactly what they need to do.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.