Texas redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning’s highly anticipated starting debut had its share of ups and downs, but the Longhorns dominated overmatched Louisiana-Monroe 51-3 on Saturday night before 102,850 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, finished 15 of 29 passing for 258 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning started on Saturday night in place of injured starter Quinn Ewers, who is recovering from a strained oblique suffered last week in a win against UTSA.
Manning led the Longhorns’ first team offense for 10 series, leaving the game early in the fourth as true freshman Trey Owens entered. Here’s what we learned from his performance.
Manning’s top highlights
It’s clear to see why Manning was such a coveted recruit. His arm strength and accuracy were impressive on Saturday night. The deep balls he uncorked typically landed at or near their intended targets, and he completed passes of 56 and 46 yards.
ARCH MANNING RESPONDS AFTER HIS INT 🔥
A 56-yard DIME right to the hands of Isaiah Bond 😤 pic.twitter.com/mZ1aDgpLzT
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024
The 6-4, 225-pound Manning didn’t seem to get rattled at any point, even when taking big hits. He got right back up each time. And he operated the offense like a veteran quarterback.
ARCH MANNING DROPPIN’ DIMES vs. UL Monroe 😳
A 46-yard throw and catch to Matthew Golden 💪 pic.twitter.com/xWJtwqYu8A
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024
He bounced back from an interception on his first drive to lead four consecutive touchdown drives, which pushed Texas out to a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter. It was an up-and-down showing from there, and he threw another interception late in the first half, but he finished strong with two more touchdown drives of 66 and 63 yards in the second half. — Sam Khan Jr.
Scouting Arch’s first start
It was hardly perfect, but Manning looked firmly in control of the offense, wasn’t confused or overwhelmed by any checks or changes and kept things moving against an inferior opponent without issue. Texas put Manning in several play-action situations, allowing the big-armed sophomore to throw a few pretty deep balls. Like a lot of quarterbacks his age, Manning still defaults to the deepest throw in the concept. He forced one into multiple defenders early on and got picked off. He threw another one into two more defenders a little bit later and nearly completed it. More experience should build more comfort and clean up most of the current hiccups in Manning’s game.
He’s still a little late with his general pocket processing, especially if the coverage isn’t something he was anticipating or a route gets thrown off-kilter. A lot of that is timing, though, and Manning’s a young backup – so that’s understandable. In general, this will go in the books as a terrific experience for Manning as he was able to put both great throws and correctable mistakes on tape. He’ll gain confidence and learn a ton at the same time. — Nick Baumgardner
Texas continues to play its QB situation correctly
Although Manning’s highs were impressive, his mistakes showed his youth and inexperience. From forcing throws he shouldn’t to simply lacking the polish that Ewers has from his 25 career starts, it’s clear that Manning still has room to grow.
Manning’s potential seems limitless given his raw physical skill. Saturday’s extended action will be a good teaching tape for coach Steve Sarkisian. — Khan
GO DEEPER
How Texas is achieving rare QB harmony with Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers
Arch’s first college interception
Right now, Manning’s biggest areas for improvement are general pocket awareness and moving quickly through his progressions when his first read is taken away. The first pick of his college career, on Texas’ opening drive, was an example of both. Manning took an unnecessary hit because he stared down a read far too long, rather than either moving off that receiver and onto his No. 2, or scrambling. Then he forced a throw into three defenders. Everything about Manning’s pass mechanics, from his feet to his release, is ahead of his years. The basics of playing quarterback against live defenders, though? Still a work in progress, as expected. — Baumgardner
Arch Manning throws his first career interception on the opening drive of the game. pic.twitter.com/2wXd8q4HcK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024
Should Quinn Ewers be looking over his shoulder?
No, there is no quarterback controversy in Austin. Quinn Ewers led Texas to the College Football Playoff last season, coming within an end-zone deflection against Washington from advancing to the national championship game. Just two weeks ago, Ewers shredded Michigan in the Big House, a performance so impressive it helped vault the Longhorns to the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll a week later. Once he returns to health, Manning will return to being the best backup quarterback in the country.
Obviously, it would become an issue for Sarkisian if Ewers comes back but struggles, especially with games against Oklahoma and Georgia looming back-to-back in mid-October. But if and when Texas loses for the first time, it will probably not be due to its passing game, which has thus far been the biggest strength of the team. — Stewart Mandel
(Photo: Tim Warner / Getty Images)