Greg McElroy reacts to fans booing Arch Manning, reveals areas Texas QB needs to improve

Amid an up-and-down start to his first year as Texas’ starting quarterback, some fans started booing Arch Manning last week at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The former top recruit took it in stride, and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy said it sounded familiar.

McElroy said he got booed while playing for the New York Jets and also at Alabama under Nick Saban. He had advice for Manning about the situation and also broke down where he needs to improve before the schedule takes a step up in SEC play.

McElroy’s main concern is with Manning’s mechanics. He has an opportunity to fix those issues this week against Sam Houston State, and McElroy said that should be the focus rather than the Bearkats.

“Let’s just start with, you haven’t lived until you’ve been booed at home,” McElroy said Tuesday on SportsCenter. “As a player for the Jets and I even got booed Alabama, so it happens. It’s good, believe me. Here’s what I’ll say. There’s a lot to clean up – and it starts with his mechanics. When things are sideways and things are moving a million miles an hour, he’s got to clean up his mechanics. He’s short-arming the ball. His footwork has not been good. He’s stepping in the bucket, he’s over-striding. All those things are leading to him becoming a little inaccurate. And then, there have been times when he’s rushing, as well. … Just allow the receiver to run underneath it instead of just hurrying. Everything is happening too fast right now for Arch.

“So it’s going to be for him and for Steve Sarkisian, his play-caller, to get him more comfortable in the game plan. Get him comfortable playing the position. And focus this week not about who you’re playing against, but more on what you need to do to be successful. So don’t worry about Sam Houston State. Let’s focus on the footwork, the drops, the mechanics, the progressions, the reads and the accuracy. That’s where it starts because he’s got plenty of talent. Now, he’s just got to play his way into it.”

Through three games, Arch Manning has been a bit shaky. He has completed 55.3% of his passes for 579 yards and six touchdowns, to three interceptions, as a redshirt sophomore. He also has 112 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

The New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman product will look to right the ship in this week’s non-conference finale against Sam Houston State. From there, Florida awaits as the SEC opener.