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Tuesday Texas Q&A: Thoughts on Arch Manning and Much More

Eric Nahlinby: Eric Nahlin2 hours ago
Texas-362068
Texas quarterback Arch Manning scrambles vs. Kentucky - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio/On3

Texas is 5-2 but given the terribly inconsistent offense, fans are on edge and waiting for the other shoe to drop. That shoe being a second conference loss. It’s unlikely that loss would occur in Starkville but much crazier things have happened in college football and Jeff Lebby’s team is on the uptick despite a tough three-game losing streak.

Starting quarterback Arch Manning has been a bit of a lightning rod. He’s missed some easy throws even poor college quarterbacks should make, but he’s also made some plays that even good college quarterbacks don’t often make. There’s a seemingly large population of fans who only notice the bad while not adjusting for the context the season is providing.

Where are you currently at on Arch? I just don’t know what to think anymore. He has nothing around him for help. For every NFL throw he makes, he misses 6-7 basic throws. Is he off because he’s getting blasted and rushed so much and doesn’t trust anything around him? It’s a chicken or the egg scenario. Is he possibly a miss? – John Coctostan

I’m with everyone else in that he needs to make the gimmes. I’ve said that since the Ohio State game where I essentially blamed the loss on his inability to hit high percentage throws.

I also don’t think it’s a permanent issue. That wouldn’t logically follow. It’s like Steph Curry being able to hit 35-footers but not free throws.

There are some mechanical issues that still need fixing.

He has a ton of talent that people who are throwing dirt on his grave rarely mention. He also has a horrendous O-line which the same people fail to mention. He has no semblance of a ground game which is the foundation of Sark’s offense.

He is flawed but also being hung out to dry by the same people in the fan base who constantly (and justifiably) lament how Sark and Flood screwed up the offseason. For me, that’s a large disconnect.

There are things he does that people are already taking for granted that are rare and unteachable. He’s a large dual-threat who is tough and mobile in the pocket and who can make NFL throws that aren’t on the menu for most QB’s.

Get the guy an O-line and a run game and then let’s see.

*****

Per the usual, we also discussed a litany of issues, like potential offseason improvements, roster needs, reasons to be excited about the future, and much more. READ HERE!

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