Tom Rinaldi reveals Steve Sarkisian's halftime message to Arch Manning vs. Ohio State

FOX sideline reporter Tom Rinaldi revealed Steve Sarkisian’s halftime message to Arch Manning after he and the Texas offense struggled in the first 30 minutes. It was a pretty simply statement.

“Talking to Steve Sarkisian, he started on the defensive side of the ball and said those penalties were crucial mistakes that have led to the only points in the game so far,” Rinaldi said on the FOX broadcast. “On the offensive side, 1-7 on third down. And he said that’s been the problem. We need greater efficiency on first down to try to create some rhythm of momentum.

“As for his quarterback Arch Manning, he was simple. We need to get him some completions and get him into rhythm, and we’ll be fine. That’ll be mission one on that side of the ball.”

Manning was five-of-10 passing for just 26 yards through 30 minutes. He had five carries for 13 yards on the ground.

Steve Sarkisian keeping Arch Manning calm at halftime

Brady Quinn sent a message to Manning during the FOX halftime show Saturday. Manning and the Longhorns were just one play away. It remains to be seen though.

“That’s what you have to be preaching if you’re Sark, (you’re one big play away),” Quinn said on the broadcast. “And also if you’re Arch Manning. You are only one big play out of this thing. Don’t be shocked if they don’t find a way of getting Ryan Wingo the football. He’s explosive. He’s dangerous. Ohio State know that they’ve been able to keep kind of top on him so far, but be careful in the second half.”

It remains to be seen how the second and the rest of the season unfolds, but former coach Nick Saban has confidence in the young QB. He said as much on Saturday’s College GameDay.

“I think Arch is going to do a great job,” Saban said on College GameDay. “First of all, the players really gravitate to him. He’s got leadership qualities, but I think you’re going to see a little different type of offense from him, more direct runs, more play action passes, because he’s got a great ability to throw the ball down the field, and his legs are real, to be able to scramble and extend plays. So I got all the confidence in the world in this guy.”t