Arch Manning remains Texas starter after two losses, Sarkisian says
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian backed Manning for Saturday’s game against No. 7 Mississippi while calling for better play from the quarterback and the offense.
Arch Manning remains Texas’ starting quarterback after two consecutive losses, coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday, October 19, in Austin, Texas. Sarkisian called for better play from Manning ahead of Saturday’s game against No. 7 Mississippi, a test for an offense that has struggled to score, the Associated Press reported.
‘There’s no doubt about it, Arch can play better for us, but he’s our starter,’ Sarkisian said at his weekly news conference, according to the AP. ‘We need to see a better version of him this week.’ CBS Sports reported that Sarkisian also called for improvement from other Texas offensive players.
Manning’s numbers and Texas’ offensive struggles
The AP listed Manning at 1,295 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions this season, with a 64% completion rate. It reported that he had been sacked 17 times and had three fourth-quarter turnovers it described as critical in losses to Florida and Oklahoma. Texas had lost consecutive regular-season games for the first time since 2021, the AP said.
The difficulties extend beyond Manning. Texas had scored more than three touchdowns only once this season and was averaging 135 rushing yards per game, among the lowest totals in the Southeastern Conference, according to the AP. CBS Sports reported that Sarkisian said after Saturday’s 27-24 loss to Florida that everything in the program would be evaluated.
What Sarkisian said about backup KJ Lacey
Backup quarterback KJ Lacey has played in two games this season, completing seven of eight passes for 63 yards, the AP reported. Sarkisian said Lacey normally takes snaps with the first-team offense during the week and that the arrangement would continue this week. CBS Sports reported his remarks in response to reports that Lacey had received more first-team practice time.
Manning acknowledged the scrutiny. ‘Everyone’s evaluated every week,’ he said, according to CBS Sports. ‘Everyone’s gotta get better, and that starts with me.’ Sarkisian said Texas remained in contention for a conference championship, according to the AP. The game against Mississippi is the next chance to show whether the offense has improved.
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Sources and context
- Arch Manning remains the starter at Texas despite struggles and 2-game skidAssociated Press, republished by Yahoo Sports
- Arch Manning remains Texas starting QB, but Steve Sarkisian says he needs a 'better version' of Longhorns starCBS Sports
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.