Cole Cubelic calls out Texas OL for Arch Manning's early-season struggles

As Texas struggled against UTEP, almost all of the focus was on Arch Manning. Incompletions began to pile up for Manning when facing a team many believed the Longhorns would beat quite comfortably. At one point, boos even rained down and made Manning’s shortcomings the story of college football.

But SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic sees the situation a little differently. Cubelic does not see any other position groups excelling at the moment within the Texas offense. He specifically mentioned the offensive line and not being able to block for the run game.

“When you look at the guys around him, that becomes utterly disappointing as well,” Cubelic said on Thursday via Josh Pate’s College Football Show. “The offensive line giving free runners… I think the players around Arch Manning all have to raise to their capabilities before I say he’s the worst quarterback in the league or the most disappointing guy in the league.

“I don’t see the offensive line playing well. I don’t think they’re getting nearly the work at the line of scrimmage they did a year ago. And the playmakers just aren’t making the plays once they get the ball in their hands.”

Cubelic gave a ton of credit to the UTEP defense for tackling well against Texas’ skill position players. Last season may have seen some more explosive plays from the running back but instead, the Miners were able to stuff the run at times. Same goes for once the wide receivers got the ball in their hands.

Injuries are a part of the story as well. Two of the program’s top backs, Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter, did not see much of the field against UTEP. Wisner got ruled out before kickoff and Baxter left after one play due to a hamstring problem. Neither will play this Saturday against Sam Houston State either.

On the positive side, Manning gets another pass catcher returning to the lineup in DeAndre Moore. Some more speed might help to make plays, avoid tackles, and even connect downfield.

Still, Cubelic is looking for the offensive line to block a little better. If they show signs of improvement and Manning still cannot get in rhythm, then his alarm bells will go off. First chance to improve comes against Sam Houston State before getting a bye. Texas then starts its SEC schedule with a difficult task in Gainesville vs. the Florida Gators.