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Stephen A Smith believes Arch Manning’s brand should help Texas in CFP conversation

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh7 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
Arch Manning
Arch Manning (Jordan Prather-Imagn Images)

Depending on results over the next three weeks, Texas might turn into a highly-debated team when it comes to the College Football Playoff. A case might be there for the Longhorns with a 9-3 record, guaranteeing a win over either Georgia or Texas A&M. We did not see a three-loss team get into the 12-team field last season, making it a potential first.

Plenty of arguments for and against the possibility would exist. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith put one together on Wednesday, saying quarterback Arch Manning should benefit Texas. Not because of his play but rather due to his name and ability to bring eyeballs to televisions.

“Arch Manning being there, that don’t hurt,” Smith said via First Take. “That doesn’t hurt. Now, we don’t like to say it, we don’t like to admit it. But damnit, people on television are the last people that get to deny it because it’s about ratings, okay? And you want to turn on your tube and see stuff that people actually want to watch. That does matter, it does matter, y’all. We can’t run from that.”

There is no doubt about the type of attention Manning brings to the table. Even dating back to his recruiting process, Manning is one of the more popular players in college football this season. Whether his on-field play has been good or bad, you see his name everywhere. The overwhelming majority of fans would tell you ratings are not a reason to include someone in the College Football Playoff, though.

Manning has thrown for 2,123 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions through nine games played. Struggles early on led the questions but recently, Manning has been part of why Texas is in position to make the College Football Playoff. His best performance of the season came against Vanderbilt, putting up 328 yards and three touchdowns. He looked great in Starkville vs. Mississippi State, a game Texas won in overtime, too, before leaving due to a concussion.

Texas getting three more wins likely does not warrant a discussion when it comes to being on the CFP bubble. A 10-2 record will get them in, citing wins over Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M as strong resume points.

However, in a world where they finish 9-3 and on the fringe, Stephen A. Smith appears to be pulling out the ratings card. He wants to see Manning in there competing for a national championship.