Steve Sarkisian reacts to viral Arch Manning taunt after touchdown vs. Sam Houston

Arch Manning drew even more attention than usual on Saturday when he stared down a Sam Houston State defender after running in a touchdown. It was an unusual celebration from the typically mild-mannered Manning.

While Manning admitted his celebration may have been excessive, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t mind it. After the Longhorns’ 55-0 victory, Sarkisian weighed in on Manning’s passionate performance.

“There’s a lot more personality in there than sometimes everyone gets to see,” Sarkisian said. “I always feel like he’s a little bit at his best when that emotion kind of comes out some. I think there was a lot built up in there obviously from last week that he needed to get out. But, inevitably, I think the guys feed off of that from him, and it’s one of his strengths.

“He’s a very cerebral guy in his approach and in his preparation, but at his core I think when he plays a little looser, a little bit more free, that’s the best version of Arch. That’s when he’s really at his best. And it’s a fine line, because we want him to prepare, we want him to stay within the confines of the offense. But at the same token, when he’s cutting it loose and playing I sometimes I feel like that’s what he’s really at his best.”

Manning came under fire last week after he only completed 11-of-his-25 pass attempts for 114 yards in Texas’ 27-10 win over UTEP. He threw a touchdown and an interception, as well.

Texas fans booed Manning and his fellow Longhorns when they failed to convert a third-and-7 against UTEP. At the time, Texas was only ahead 7-3 in the second quarter.

Arch Manning bounced back this week, completing 18-of-his-21 pass attempts for 309 yards and three touchdowns, without throwing an interception. Manning also rushed for two scores. Although Sarkisian doesn’t want Manning drawing any unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, he believes the redshirt sophomore QB should embrace his fiery side.

“I always remind him sometimes I think he’s got a little more of his grandpa in him than maybe his uncles, at times, because that style of play for him is his style,” Sarkisian said. “He doesn’t have to try to be somebody else. And we try to play to his strength.

“… All in all, it was, it was a good game for him. But to me it was a good week for him. The build up to the game was reminiscent of the way he practiced. So that’s the goal, right? When you practice really well, taking practice to the game and you have some success.”