Steve Spurrier reacts to Arch Manning's first month as Texas starter: 'He'll be alright'

During the preseason, Steve Spurrier encouraged some caution with regard to Arch Manning’s Heisman Trophy hype. He questioned why the former top recruit didn’t play more last year behind Quinn Ewers, given the amount of chatter.

Speaking Friday on The Paul Finebaum Show, Spurrier said his point was about letting Manning “do something” before putting that much praise on him. Given his up-and-down start to the season, Spurrier thinks Manning will be “alright.”

Of course, Texas is taking on Florida on Saturday, which is why Spurrier said he hopes Manning waits a bit to get on track. He sees the potential, though.

“He and [Garrett] Nussmeier were the two Heisman favorites – Arch and him,” Spurrier said. “I said, shouldn’t you wait until he does something to let him be in contention? And he hadn’t had a chance to play. Arch, he had not had a chance to play really much yet. Anyway, that was just the predictions, I guess.

“But I think he’ll be alright. Hopefully, after tomorrow, he can turn it around and have a great season. … Arch is going to be alright, I think, in time. After tomorrow, hopefully, he’ll get it going.”

Manning has had an up-and-down start to the year, but appeared to get back on track with a strong showing against Sam Houston State. In the victory over the Bearkats, he went 18 of 21 for 309 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns, as well.

Through four games before Texas headed into its bye week, Manning has thrown for 888 yards and nine touchdowns, to three interceptions. He has also added 123 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

This week’s game will be important for Arch Manning as he looks to continue his upward trajectory. Florida legend Tim Tebow said so, as well, as he looked back on the first four games. Remember, Manning made his first start at Ohio State against a Matt Patricia-led defense. It wasn’t an easy way to start your tenure as QB1, but Tebow has seen growth ever since.

“It’s absolutely a moment. And I think it’s kind of easy to jump on that bandwagon that he didn’t perform his best against Ohio State, but that’s one of the best defenses in the country,” Tebow said. “I think they’re going to do that to people the entire year. Matt Patricia? He’s bringing in so many schemes, but then it’s also in third down, when they’re in third and long, because they couldn’t run the ball great in that game. That’s a tough situation.

“I have seen him improve every single game, and this last game – given it, you know, wasn’t against great competition – but he played his best and I think you’ll continue to see him improve. But he’s also going up against a Gator defense that’s playing at a really high level and not getting the praise that they deserve because of the record.”