Paul Finebaum assesses Texas, Arch Manning's performance during win over Oklahoma

Texas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma 23-6 on Saturday, and Paul Finebaum is once again all in on the Longhorns. After beating their bitter rival, Texas improved to 4-2 on the season behind a strong, consistent performance from QB Arch Manning.

Finebaum explained that he was impressed with what he saw from Manning — who accounted for 200 yards of offense and a touchdown against a tough Sooners defense. Coming off a loss to Florida on the road, Finebaum saw the Red River Rivalry was a must-win situation for Texas and company.

“The season was on the line after the debacle in Gainesville,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter Sunday morning. “I thought Arch Manning played very well. He’s coming around — took him ’till mid-season. The story here was really (John) Mateer. I would like some more explanation on exactly what the thinking was (on starting him).

“But Arch finally used his legs. He played well. Texas’ schedule is tricky, but they’re doing pretty well right now.”

Mateer was returning from surgery on his throwing hand, and didn’t look like the same player that gained major notoriety during the early part of the season. Just over two weeks removed from the procedure, Mateer finished the game with 202 passing yards and three interceptions during the contest.

He missed one game before returning on Saturday. Sooners head coach Brent Venables revealed after the game that Mateer was cleared on Thursday to compete against Texas.

For Manning and the Longhorns, the victory is a sweet one. Texas’ loss to Florida last week could have spelled disaster for Steve Sarkisian’s group. Now, the win over Oklahoma helps legitimize the Longhorns with its first win over a ranked opponent this season.

Manning’s stats don’t jump off the page, but he’s silenced many doubters with this victory. It remains to be seen if the victory propels them back into the Top 25, but it’s a massive step in the right direction as Texas looks to pile up wins over the next several week.

Texas will play Kentucky and Mississippi State on the road in consecutive matchups coming up. They’re two of four teams in the SEC who have yet to win a conference game this season. After that, they’ll head back home to take on a potentially ranked Vanderbilt squad before their final bye week of the season. Texas returns on Nov. 15 to play Georgia on the road before wrapping up the regular season with two home games against Arkansas and Texas A&M, respectively.