Paul Finebaum highlights concerns about Arch Manning, what they say about Texas

Paul Finebaum highlighted more concerns about Arch Manning after singing his praises during the preseason. But the honeymoon phase is over for him, and apparently some Texas fans too, after a lackluster 27-10 win over UTEP.

The expectations for Manning were always seen as insane, according to most. Finebaum said Texas now has to find its identity at 2-1 on the season with offensive struggles.

“He’s human, and he’s not anything like what some people, me especially, made him out to be,” Finebaum said on The Matt Barrie Show. “And by the way … I get a kick out of all the Arch Manning memes now. So keep them coming. I don’t know what’s going on with him, (Steve) Sarkisian doesn’t help him when he wraps his arm around him and says, ‘Well, you got to get booed to grow up as a quarterback.’ I’m not sure about that. There’s a lot of quarterbacks in the SEC and around college football that have never been booed in their third game. 

“I’ll leave it to former quarterbacks to dissect exactly what he’s doing wrong. The bigger concern, isn’t, you know, so much Arch Manning being in the front row in New York, it’s how much of an effect is it going to have on Texas when they finally get to a real game? This is the preseason favorite in the SEC and the number one pick overall, who are they?”

On Saturday, Manning struggled throwing the football. He was 11-of-25 passing for 114 yards, one touchdown and one interception. But Manning added 51 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

“I’m just frustrated,” Manning said postgame. “I know I’m better than this. I’ve got to play better … Maybe it slides against UTEP, but it’s not going to win us games in the SEC … “I’ve got to go back to the basics and be more accurate and get my receivers the ball. Come Monday, that’s the plan and what we’re doing.”

One thing’s for sure, Manning’s teammates won’t give up on him. Count WR Ryan Wingo among those in his corner.

“Arch is a great quarterback,” Wingo said. “The same great quarterback. Our chemistry isn’t down. I think it’s improving, especially later in the game, like everyone else in the country.”

Wingo had a drop during the game, but some wanted to blame Manning for the throw. Wingo took responsibility.

“No, that was on me,” Wingo said. “If I can put my hands on the ball, I should catch it.”

Texas is back in action next weekend against Sam Houston State. Manning and the Longhorns will look to get their groove back on offense.