Steve Sarkisian bashes 'out of control' Arch Manning expectations following loss to Ohio State

Entering Saturday’s Week 1 matchup against Ohio State, the excitement was building for Arch Manning’s first game as Texas’ full-time starting quarterback. The former top recruit faced high expectations – and Steve Sarkisian said they got a bit “out of control.”

Manning entered Saturday’s game as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. However, his odds took a hit with his performance and dropped to +900, according to BetMGM. He went into the game at +500 to bring home the award.

There’s also buzz about Manning as a potential No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick if he declares after this season. After Saturday’s game, Sarkisian expressed the need for caution before jumping to conclusions about the former top recruit’s future.

“For Arch, the expectations were out of control on the outside,” Sarkisian said, via Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger. “I’d say let’s finish the book before we judge him. That’s one chapter.”

Manning got off to a rough start in the first half of the game in Columbus, throwing for just 26 yards through two quarters. He then threw an interception in the second half, but later appeared to find a semblance of a rhythm, especially on a 32-yard touchdown pass to Parker Livingstone. All told, Manning completed 17 of 30 passes, along with the touchdown and the pick.

As for how he’d grade his first game as Texas’ full-time starting quarterback, Manning admitted it wasn’t up to his standard. While he gave Ohio State credit for its game plan, he noted the Longhorns had some self-inflicted wounds en route to the loss.

“Ultimately, not good enough,” Manning said. “Obviously you don’t want to start off the season 0-1. They’re a good team. I thought we beat ourselves a lot, and that starts with me. I’ve got to play better for us to win.”

To Sarkisian, though, there were glimpses of Manning’s potential throughout the contest. That’s why he’s optimistic about the former top-rated recruit’s future.

“We saw some real flashes and glimpses of the type of player that he’s going to become here,” Sarkisian said in the postgame press conference. “Sure, he’s going to watch the tape and say ‘man, I wish this. I wish that.’ That’s the life of a competitor, but I think there’s a lot to hold onto of what the future is going to look like for Arch Manning here.”