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Paul Finebaum defends Texas takes: 'A lot of people don't like compliments to Arch Manning'

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko09/08/25nickkosko59
USATSI_26963758 (1)
Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum isn’t backing off his Arch Manning and Texas takes coming into the season. Following a bounce back performance, Manning and the Longhorns are sitting prettier than the Week 1 loss to Ohio State.

Manning responded with five total touchdowns against San Jose State, but there’s still plenty of season left to make or break an important season for Texas. In a “Fine or Not Fine” segment Monday, Finebaum said Texas and Manning were “fine.”

No panic button yet folks! For now, Manning and Texas live on as one of the better teams and QBs in college football, per Finebaum.

“I’m saying fine and I know a lot of people don’t like compliments to Arch Manning,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter. “It seems a little overdone at this point, but he played well. He didn’t play perfectly, but I think he still can. And I’m a believer in him, and I’ll go down with him, but right now he’s okay.”

Manning was 19-of-30 passing for 295 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. He also ran for another score. 

Arch Manning, Texas just fine, per Paul Finebaum

That sounds all well and good, but Manning wasn’t satisfied. Speaking with the ESPN broadcast team afterwards, he was critical of his play, believing the Longhorns offense has to clean it up, and it starts with himself.

“Once again, not very good. We’ve got to clean up a lot of things,” Manning stated, regarding his play against the Spartans. “Some guys made plays, which is good, but overall it was a little sloppy. … I thought I made more plays and attacked more, but it was still sloppy all around.”

Even though Manning didn’t love what he put on tape, his coach in Steve Sarkisian was more than satisfied. He called his quarterback’s performance “really good” while speaking with ESPN, seeing a bunch of bright spots against San Jose State.

“I thought he had a really good game today,” Sarkisian added. “He took advantage of some throws down the field. Lesson learned on a protection breakdown — forcing the ball — but we’re going to have some of those growing pains. I thought he used his legs well, scored a touchdown, threw it downfield, and created some explosive plays.”

Texas and Manning are back in action Saturday against UTEP at 4:15 p.m. ET at home. They’ll have Sam Houston State the following week before the SEC opener against Florida on October 4th.