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Texas coach explains what would happen with Arch Manning ‘if you took the name off the back of his jersey’

Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s season began with a loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, a setback that exposed the pressure weighing on the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. The Longhorns fell to the Sooners after two late-game turnovers by Manning, including two key interceptions that derailed Texas’ final drive.

Despite a strong preseason hype campaign—including a Heisman preseason nod from ESPN’s Paul Finebaum—Manning’s performance has since drawn criticism, with analysts questioning whether he lives up to the generational expectations placed on him. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, however, defended Manning’s fundamentals, suggesting that the quarterback’s struggles stem from the heightened scrutiny tied to his last name rather than his actual skill.

Manning will face the Florida Gators next, followed by four straight games against ranked opponents, providing an early test of whether his recent struggles were a fluke or a pattern.

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Steve Sarkisian defends Arch Manning, says 'Joe Smith' wouldn't face same scrutiny