Steve Sarkisian gives blunt assessment of Arch Manning debut as Texas starting QB

After Arch Manning’s up-and-down debut as Texas’ starting quarterback, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian shared his assessment. He expressed optimism, based on the “flashes” shown during Saturday’s loss to Ohio State.

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. To Sarkisian, there were glimpses of the former top recruit’s potential and he’s optimistic about the 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.”

Despite the rocky start, Sarkisian thought Manning carried himself well during Saturday’s game. He thought his quarterback stayed the course despite the up-and-down showing, adding that will also be important as the season goes along.

“I thought Arch’s poise and composure was really good in this game,” Sarkisian said. “I didn’t feel like he got rattled. I think I learned about him a little bit playing that I’ve got to let him go play. That’ll help us, but he’s going to be a really good leader.”

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 said the expectations got “out of control” on the outside. He 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.”