Reporter Evan Sidery just dropped a bomb on the college football world: there’s a strong possibility Arch Manning gets benched as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback if he struggles this weekend against Ole Miss. The pressure on Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian has reached insane levels, and it’s not hard to see why.
Texas’ Playoff Hopes on the Brink
Manning was supposed to be *the guy* this offseason, touted as one of college football’s best. But let’s be real, he’s nowhere near the Heisman Trophy conversation or a lock for the No. 1 NFL draft pick. Texas’ College Football Playoff chances have absolutely tanked, plummeting to a mere 41% after back-to-back losses to *unranked* Oklahoma and Florida. Seriously, unranked teams! Another loss this weekend, and their 12-team playoff hopes are pretty much toast.
With those stakes, Sidery’s prediction makes sense. If Manning can’t deliver against Ole Miss, Sarkisian might have to pull the plug, pivoting away from Manning’s development to save their season. Manning’s stats this season have been, well, average. He’s got 1,295 passing yards, a 63.9% completion rate, 11 touchdown passes, and five interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 102 yards on 49 carries but hasn’t found the end zone once. Even Sarkisian admitted Manning has been feeling “edgy” lately, taking accountability himself along with the media and fans for the change in his star QB’s attitude. He even made the candid admission, “We Lost the ‘Aw Shucks Kid’”. And let’s not forget Craig Carton’s blunt take: “I Want a DNA Test ‘Cause I Don’t Think He’s a Manning.” Ouch.
Who Steps Up If Manning Sits?
So, if Sarkisian does decide to bench Arch, who’s the next man up? Freshman KJ Lacey Jr. is the current favorite, and Sarkisian has been quick to praise him amid all the noise around Manning. Sarkisian called Lacey “a good player” who’s “dynamic with the ball in his hands” and a “natural passer.” He acknowledged Lacey’s lack of experience but highlighted his coachability, positive attitude, and good rapport with his teammates. Sounds like a guy ready to go, right?
All eyes will be on Texas this weekend when they face Ole Miss. It’s not just a game, it’s a make-or-break moment for Arch Manning’s starting job and the Longhorns’ entire playoff dream. Will Manning rise to the occasion, or will we see KJ Lacey Jr. taking snaps?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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