Press Conference Reaction: Arch Manning in concussion protocol, WRs emerge, prep for Diego Pavia

Steve Sarkisian confirmed Arch Manning is out of practice and in concussion protocol. The Longhorns now turn their focus to quarterback Diego Pavia and a tough matchup ahead.

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This video features a detailed reaction and analysis of a Texas Longhorns football press conference led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, focusing primarily on the quarterback situation, team dynamics, and the upcoming game against Vanderbilt. The Longhorns are returning home after an extended 42-day road stretch, and there is palpable excitement about playing at home in Austin. A critical topic is the health status of starting quarterback Arch Manning, who left the previous game with a concussion and is currently in concussion protocol, making his participation for the upcoming game uncertain. In his absence, backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell could start.

Caldwell, a transfer with prior collegiate experience from Gardner-Webb and Troy, has quickly earned the trust of teammates and coaches due to his poise, familiarity with multiple playbooks, and ability to execute smart plays under pressure.

The Longhorns’ receiving corps, particularly the group consisting of Emmett Mosley, Ryan Wingo, DeAndre Moore, and Parker Livingstone, showed promise in the last game with over 300 combined receiving yards, though the team still struggles with drops.

Sarkisian has been pushing this group to improve execution and make plays reflective of past Texas teams’ successes. The team is preparing for a top-10 opponent in Vanderbilt, led by quarterback Diego Pavia, who excels at controlling the clock through a triple-option offense and design quarterback runs. Vanderbilt’s strategy focuses on limiting possessions and minimizing mistakes, making it imperative for Texas to capitalize on their limited offensive opportunities.

The discussion highlights the importance of tempo and possession control, especially in what is expected to be a low-possession game—around eight to ten possessions per side. Sarkisian emphasized the need for Texas to start strong early in the game to avoid wasting possessions and to keep pace with Vanderbilt’s efficient offense. The Longhorns’ defense faces a challenge in containing a well-drilled Vanderbilt offense that rarely loses yardage and thrives on consistent forward progress. Overall, the analysis provides insights into the tactical considerations for both teams and how Texas is preparing to leverage its talent and adapt to challenges, particularly with the quarterback uncertainties and the need for efficient offensive execution.

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