Steve Sarkisian evaluates ‘average’ passing game with Arch Manning, Texas receivers

Texas relied on its rushing attack to defeat UTEP 27-10 during Week 3. Longhorns QB Arch Manning and company struggled find much consistency through the air.

Manning threw for 114 yards on 25 attempts, completing 11 of those passes. He threw for one touchdown and an interception. Many expected a greater output from Manning during the performance similar to what he did in Week 2. Rather, his woes on Saturday reminded fans more of Texas’ season-opening loss to Ohio State.

“I feel like our passing game in week one was average. I thought last week it was explosive, and today was … I don’t even know if it was average, you know?” Longhorns head coach Sarkisian said after the game. “I don’t think it’s about one player in particular. I just think it’s about rhythm in the passing game overall in general. I loved the touchdown at the end in the fourth quarter, because it was great timing, great route, great throw.

“And around here, that’s the expectation of the passing game, that that’s how we operate. And they understand that. But we’ve got to be able to play at that level consistently, and we’re just not there right now, and it’s our job to try to get him to that point.”

Manning was put in a tough spot during the season opener, starting his first game of the season on the road against the reigning national champions. Ohio State would win 14-7 as the Buckeyes defense held Manning to 170 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

He followed that performance up with a four-touchdown performance in the first half against San Jose State the following week. That performance wasn’t replicated on Saturday and the criticism throughout social media has returned.

Texas will take on Sam Houston State in its final non-conference matchup of the regular season during Week 4. It serves as another opportunity for the Longhorns’ new QB1 to add to his experience ahead of their SEC opener on Oct. 4 following their bye.

However, Texas won’t be able to afford up-and-down weekly performances by their QB once league play kicks off. They have ranked matchups against Oklahoma, Georgia and Texas A&M down the stretch. Winning those matchups will be vital to Texas’ push toward Atlanta, and in turn, the College Football Playoffs.

For now, Texas’ matchup against Sam Houston is set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET live on ESPN+. BetMGM will provide updated betting odds in the coming days.