OTF Premium Going to call a spade a spade

[Gerry Hamilton]

Going to call a spade a spade 

This is a post I didn't want to have to make. I'm a big fan of Arch Manning. Have been since seeing him for the first time in high school. He's a very hard worker. He carries himself the correct way. He cares. He's a very "good guy", just like he says he wants to be. That's what has been drilled into him by his family, and the family is great. I love his sense of humor, and he carries himself really well in a true fishbowl of life he will forever live in. I'm happy he's a Texas Longhorn. His commitment to Texas was and remains massive for the University of Texas. I've said before many times on the YouTube channel he's the first high school athlete that I've seen built up and broken down, as that is normally saved for pro athletes and a select few in college. Being Arch Manning comes with a lot of good to great, and some the exact opposite. He's certainly not going to be treated by the media in a click bait world like the normal athlete. It is what it is, and it's not easy for an 18-22 year old figuring out life just wanting to be a college "kid" while developing his craft. It was going to be that way for Arch at any blue blood he signed with.

With that said, I feel strongly that 20 starts and five games into the season with the fourth quarter vs. Oklahoma less than 24 hours removed is the time to address what has to happen moving forward for Manning. 

I thought back during the fourth quarter and after the game to the season opener vs. Texas State with 16 seconds remaining in the first half with Texas up 28-7. Texas was coming out of a timeout with the ball on the Texas State 10 yard line. I remember thinking (maybe saying on the Watch With Us) do not force a throw here. Even though the game wasn't in doubt, make the smart or correct quarterback play to end the half. Value points, value momentum, value the football. It all matters later in a season when games are on the line. Every play when a decision has to be made at the QB position is key part of development. Every single one. After an incompletion, Arch forced a throw over the middle into triple coverage that ended in a really bad interception. Did it hurt Texas in terms of winning or losing the game vs an inferior opponent? Of course not. Was it a really bad QB decision, absolutely. Arch said it after the game and on Monday. I remember saying on the Watch With Us that needs to be the worst pass/decision Arch makes all season. Because anything close to that recurring would likely be a lot more meaningful in SEC play. 

Arch had some bad QB luck vs. Ohio State in the first half. He made two tremendous throws that were dropped - Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. Two should have been TD's (or eventual TD with Coleman). He had a wonderful QB moment in the fourth quarter rally and victory over a very good Ohio State team. In order to be real, it's also very important to be fair. 

The first drive vs UTSA was solid. He got off to a quality start. There was seemingly progression in decision making vs Ohio State and UTSA. After taking the self inflicted big hit, that game changed. Around a number of errant throws in that game (and before the hit) was the illegal forward pass with 13:56 remaining in the third quarter. It happens for all quarterbacks, and has throughout the history of the game. 

Fast forward to the Tennessee game. I've never seen two illegal forward passes by the same quarterback in a game. Never. I'm sure it has happened, but my eyes weren't on the TV or in person for a game in history it happened. And I've certainly never seen three in two games, or an illegal forward pass by the same QB in back-to-back games. Again, it's probably happened somewhere in the history of the game, but my 51 year old eyes have never seen it. 

To do that three times in two games, and back-to-back games, is truly head scratching plays at the QB position. 

Around all that there were plays in each game where Arch was outside the tackle box and ate the ball taking an unneeded sack vs throwing the ball away. Similar to the end of the half vs. Texas State, those decisions don't hurt a team when you are winning, but one should clearly put those away in the memory bank if the decision making returns in game deciding situations or games. 

Well, the fourth quarter of the Oklahoma game happened less than 24 hours ago. The pick six interception pass can't be made, period. Under duress, Arch did a good job keeping the play alive, but what happened next just can't happen at the QB position. At some point in a quarterback's development, one has to register in the moment when the play calls for innate feel, instincts or extremely quick processing to throw the damn ball away. Not taking a sack in a meaningless game and throwing the ball away reps mattered earlier in the season. Sadly, the INT into triple coverage to the end the half vs. Texas State did not remain the worst pass thrown all season. I'm not going to break down the entire why the decision/throw was horrible, because it doesn't even need to be broken down. The ball wasn't valued. The moment wasn't valued. The situation wasn't valued. It wasn't processed in real time by a QB. 

Then there was the second INT. The reaction to the blitz was a forced throw again. It was a tough spot, but Manning had time to throw an uncatchable ball to the Texas coaches standing along the sideline. And this isn't a nitpick, as one can look at many scenarios in which a QB makes the correct throw away under duress with the game on the line. 

So where is Arch Manning at through five games this season, and 20 starts into his college career? In my opinion, he's now at the most important part of his career and development to date. Some really bad quarterback decisions in meaningless games early in the season became major in a rivalry game against a struggling team. A game that was given away by the Texas special teams, offense and quarterback. 

The head scratcher plays have to begin to cease. If we are still talking about them continuing to happen in November, there is a bigger problem that will have to be addressed. The plays in which one is forced to question innate feel and instincts for the position need to be in the rearview mirror, starting Saturday vs. Florida. The growth in game in split second decision making has to happen October 17. Period. 

The reality is Texas is going to score more points, make more explosive plays in the passing game and "look" better on offense the next three games in October. Texas isn't facing Matt Patricia, Jim Knowles and Brent Venables defenses and overall personnel level the next three games. But that doesn't mean Texas has suddenly improved or "found it" offensively. That doesn't mean Arch Manning has figured it out. This isn't about stats. This is about in game decision making, and seeing the correct growth. 

Time is no longer on Arch Manning's side, and on Texas' side. Growth has to be easily seen. The time is now. I'm rooting for Arch, as I always have been. The fishbowl and pressure of being a Manning following in massive footsteps is real. That will always be acknowledged when I speak about Arch. At the same time, he's in a position in which major and career arc changing growth at the position has to begin today. There is no other option after five games this season. I'm not expecting perfection, as that is not the real world. I am expecting key growth to begin now. It simply has to for Arch, and the Texas Longhorns 2026 season. 

 

[RN_surgery]

Everything falls at the feet of Sark for me. He can’t make things easy for Arch. 
 

I hope we lose out and move on from Sark. 
 

 

[HornsInAmarillo]

Well said! He’s been in the system for 4 years, and this is what we get a weekly basis??? Time to pull the plug. There’s no reason that one of the QBs can’t be ready to step up. Look at Bama. Their offense is humming, compared to ours everyone is humming, with a freshman QB. Milers and Sark do QBs no favors with their “development” and playcalling. I’ve been saying for years, it’s time to move on from them too. 

[General Grant]

I’m of the opinion this needs to be his last year at Texas.  And he is far from the only issue. 

[nicray0920]

I’m surprised that Sark did not take more notes from Saban and realize when it’s time to bench a player to change the momentum of a game. Saban benched Jalen Hurts after a dismal first half of a championship game for Tua. I agree Gerry Arch is a great kid and wants nothing more than to win for Texas but at some point results matter especially with the back up we have waiting. Never thought I would have said this but I expected Sark to pull Arch at the half and at least let him settle down for a few series. Probably going to get some shade thrown at me but this has a Chris Simms environment written all over a last name. Will always be a proud Longhorn but this loss stung a little harder than others 🤘🏼

[Joe Z]

Great read Gerry 🫡

[General Grant]

1 minute ago, nicray0920 said:

I’m surprised that Sark did not take more notes from Saban and realize when it’s time to bench a player to change the momentum of a game. Saban benched Jalen Hurts after a dismal first half of a championship game for Tua. I agree Gerry Arch is a great kid and wants nothing more than to win for Texas but at some point results matter especially with the back up we have waiting. Never thought I would have said this but I expected Sark to pull Arch at the half and at least let him settle down for a few series. Probably going to get some shade thrown at me but this has a Chris Simms environment written all over a last name. Will always be a proud Longhorn but this loss stung a little harder than others 🤘🏼

I said the same thing to some people 

[Texas fan in Georgia]

I just don’t see it happening. He’s been in the program 4 years. He’s played the position his entire life with two of the greatest mentoring him. To what extent? I don’t know. But I do know this, the 2021 offense was the best offense sark has put on the field in his tenure here. And it’s gotten worse from 2021-2026. Words talk, numbers scream. Quinn never lived up to his potential under sark and arch has looked worse this year than he did in the first half of last season IMO. The man is not a QB guru. He’s not an “offensive genius”. 

[AJJ_Sports]

[OsasTheDestroyer]

1 minute ago, nicray0920 said:

I’m surprised that Sark did not take more notes from Saban and realize when it’s time to bench a player to change the momentum of a game. Saban benched Jalen Hurts after a dismal first half of a championship game for Tua. I agree Gerry Arch is a great kid and wants nothing more than to win for Texas but at some point results matter especially with the back up we have waiting. Never thought I would have said this but I expected Sark to pull Arch at the half and at least let him settle down for a few series. Probably going to get some shade thrown at me but this has a Chris Simms environment written all over a last name. Will always be a proud Longhorn but this loss stung a little harder than others 🤘🏼

It’s unfortunate that we had to get 6 years into sarks tenure to figure out the ceiling of this offense and team. 

Muschamp is the future 

[Texas fan in Georgia]

And I’ll add, I’m not sure the offense will look any better regardless of the DC coming up on the schedule. They could barely muster 30 points vs UTSA. We were told to ignore the issues that were obvious just because we were 4-0 and pulled a rabbit vs Ohio st. The Tennessee win doesn’t even impress me. They nearly got beat by Arkansas yesterday. It’ll be the same BS coach speak in every media availability this week as well, hearing how much intent the team had blah blah blah. 

[Cujonation83]

16 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Going to call a spade a spade 

This is a post I didn't want to have to make. I'm a big fan of Arch Manning. Have been since seeing him for the first time in high school. He's a very hard worker. He carries himself the correct way. He cares. He's a very "good guy", just like he says he wants to be. That's what has been drilled into him by his family, and the family is great. I love his sense of humor, and he carries himself really well in a true fishbowl of life he will forever live in. I'm happy he's a Texas Longhorn. His commitment to Texas was and remains massive for the University of Texas. I've said before many times on the YouTube channel he's the first high school athlete that I've seen built up and broken down, as that is normally saved for pro athletes and a select few in college. Being Arch Manning comes with a lot of good to great, and some the exact opposite. He's certainly not going to be treated by the media in a click bait world like the normal athlete. It is what it is, and it's not easy for an 18-22 year old figuring out life just wanting to be a college "kid" while developing his craft. It was going to be that way for Arch at any blue blood he signed with.

With that said, I feel strongly that 20 starts and five games into the season with the fourth quarter vs. Oklahoma less than 24 hours removed is the time to address what has to happen moving forward for Manning. 

I thought back during the fourth quarter and after the game to the season opener vs. Texas State with 16 seconds remaining in the first half with Texas up 28-7. Texas was coming out of a timeout with the ball on the Texas State 10 yard line. I remember thinking (maybe saying on the Watch With Us) do not force a throw here. Even though the game wasn't in doubt, make the smart or correct quarterback play to end the half. Value points, value momentum, value the football. It all matters later in a season when games are on the line. Every play when a decision has to be made at the QB position is key part of development. Every single one. After an incompletion, Arch forced a throw over the middle into triple coverage that ended in a really bad interception. Did it hurt Texas in terms of winning or losing the game vs an inferior opponent? Of course not. Was it a really bad QB decision, absolutely. Arch said it after the game and on Monday. I remember saying on the Watch With Us that needs to be the worst pass/decision Arch makes all season. Because anything close to that recurring would likely be a lot more meaningful in SEC play. 

Arch had some bad QB luck vs. Ohio State in the first half. He made two tremendous throws that were dropped - Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. Two should have been TD's (or eventual TD with Coleman). He had a wonderful QB moment in the fourth quarter rally and victory over a very good Ohio State team. In order to be real, it's also very important to be fair. 

The first drive vs UTSA was solid. He got off to a quality start. There was seemingly progression in decision making vs Ohio State and UTSA. After taking the self inflicted big hit, that game changed. Around a number of errant throws in that game (and before the hit) was the illegal forward pass with 13:56 remaining in the third quarter. It happens for all quarterbacks, and has throughout the history of the game. 

Fast forward to the Tennessee game. I've never seen two illegal forward passes by the same quarterback in a game. Never. I'm sure it has happened, but my eyes weren't on the TV or in person for a game in history it happened. And I've certainly never seen three in two games, or an illegal forward pass by the same QB in back-to-back games. Again, it's probably happened somewhere in the history of the game, but my 51 year old eyes have never seen it. 

To do that three times in two games, and back-to-back games, is truly head scratching plays at the QB position. 

Around all that there were plays in each game where Arch was outside the tackle box and ate the ball taking an unneeded sack vs throwing the ball away. Similar to the end of the half vs. Texas State, those decisions don't hurt a team when you are winning, but one should clearly put those away in the memory bank if the decision making returns in game deciding situations or games. 

Well, the fourth quarter of the Oklahoma game happened less than 24 hours ago. The pick six interception pass can't be made, period. Under duress, Arch did a good job keeping the play alive, but what happened next just can't happen at the QB position. At some point in a quarterback's development, one has to register in the moment when the play calls for innate feel, instincts or extremely quick processing to throw the damn ball away. Not taking a sack in a meaningless game and throwing the ball away reps mattered earlier in the season. Sadly, the INT into triple coverage to the end the half vs. Texas State did not remain the worst pass thrown all season. I'm not going to break down the entire why the decision/throw was horrible, because it doesn't even need to be broken down. The ball wasn't valued. The moment wasn't valued. The situation wasn't valued. It wasn't processed in real time by a QB. 

Then there was the second INT. The reaction to the blitz was a forced throw again. It was a tough spot, but Manning had time to throw an uncatchable ball to the Texas coaches standing along the sideline. And this isn't a nitpick, as one can look at many scenarios in which a QB makes the correct throw away under duress with the game on the line. 

So where is Arch Manning at through five games this season, and 20 starts into his college career? In my opinion, he's now at the most important part of his career and development to date. Some really bad quarterback decisions in meaningless games early in the season became major in a rivalry game against a struggling team. A game that was given away by the Texas special teams, offense and quarterback. 

The head scratcher plays have to begin to cease. If we are still talking about them continuing to happen in November, there is a bigger problem that will have to be addressed. The plays in which one is forced to question innate feel and instincts for the position need to be in the rearview mirror, starting Saturday vs. Florida. The growth in game in split second decision making has to happen October 17. Period. 

The reality is Texas is going to score more points, make more explosive plays in the passing game and "look" better on offense the next three games in October. Texas isn't facing Matt Patricia, Jim Knowles and Brent Venables defenses and overall personnel level the next three games. But that doesn't mean Texas has suddenly improved or "found it" offensively. That doesn't mean Arch Manning has figured it out. This isn't about stats. This is about in game decision making, and seeing the correct growth. 

Time is no longer on Arch Manning's side, and on Texas' side. Growth has to be easily seen. The time is now. I'm rooting for Arch, as I always have been. The fishbowl and pressure of being a Manning following in massive footsteps is real. That will always be acknowledged when I speak about Arch. At the same time, he's in a position in which major and career arc changing growth at the position has to begin today. There is no other option after five games this season. I'm not expecting perfection, as that is not the real world. I am expecting key growth to begin now. It simply has to for Arch, and the Texas Longhorns 2026 season. 

 

VERY WELL SAID AND THOUGHT OUT!

[Cozer]

17 minutes ago, RN_surgery said:

Everything falls at the feet of Sark for me. He can’t make things easy for Arch. 
 

I hope we lose out and move on from Sark. 
 

 

Wanting to lose the rest of the games is ridiculous. Also, who do we get that is “better” than Sark? At some point the fan base can’t assume that money whipping is an option, and there are not a bunch of available options out there. 

[DLPilot]

Very well said, do we have an offensive identity and if we do what is it?  It seems like Sark just throws darts at the white board.  

 

[Cozer]

14 minutes ago, General Grant said:

I’m of the opinion this needs to be his last year at Texas.  And he is far from the only issue. 

Yes. I can’t help but think there’s a miscommunication between Sark and Arch. The chemistry just isn’t there. Hell, Ewers had more production at times and it was because of better decisions making. 

[HornFanatic]

We must hire an offensive coordinator after this season. Until then Sark needs to minimize the playbook and let Arch just play football. 

[Texas fan in Georgia]

6 minutes ago, Cozer said:

Wanting to lose the rest of the games is ridiculous. Also, who do we get that is “better” than Sark? At some point the fan base can’t assume that money whipping is an option, and there are not a bunch of available options out there. 

Will stein is winning at Kentucky.  Let’s stop pretending sark is what he’s built up to be. He’s rode a defense for 3-4 years now and fired the guy he thought was the problem instead of looking in the mirror and realizing he’s not the smartest guy in the room. 
 

[alrightalrightalright]

Thoughtful article, Gerry. Appreciate all that you do.

[Alex Butler]

26 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Going to call a spade a spade 

This is a post I didn't want to have to make. I'm a big fan of Arch Manning. Have been since seeing him for the first time in high school. He's a very hard worker. He carries himself the correct way. He cares. He's a very "good guy", just like he says he wants to be. That's what has been drilled into him by his family, and the family is great. I love his sense of humor, and he carries himself really well in a true fishbowl of life he will forever live in. I'm happy he's a Texas Longhorn. His commitment to Texas was and remains massive for the University of Texas. I've said before many times on the YouTube channel he's the first high school athlete that I've seen built up and broken down, as that is normally saved for pro athletes and a select few in college. Being Arch Manning comes with a lot of good to great, and some the exact opposite. He's certainly not going to be treated by the media in a click bait world like the normal athlete. It is what it is, and it's not easy for an 18-22 year old figuring out life just wanting to be a college "kid" while developing his craft. It was going to be that way for Arch at any blue blood he signed with.

With that said, I feel strongly that 20 starts and five games into the season with the fourth quarter vs. Oklahoma less than 24 hours removed is the time to address what has to happen moving forward for Manning. 

I thought back during the fourth quarter and after the game to the season opener vs. Texas State with 16 seconds remaining in the first half with Texas up 28-7. Texas was coming out of a timeout with the ball on the Texas State 10 yard line. I remember thinking (maybe saying on the Watch With Us) do not force a throw here. Even though the game wasn't in doubt, make the smart or correct quarterback play to end the half. Value points, value momentum, value the football. It all matters later in a season when games are on the line. Every play when a decision has to be made at the QB position is key part of development. Every single one. After an incompletion, Arch forced a throw over the middle into triple coverage that ended in a really bad interception. Did it hurt Texas in terms of winning or losing the game vs an inferior opponent? Of course not. Was it a really bad QB decision, absolutely. Arch said it after the game and on Monday. I remember saying on the Watch With Us that needs to be the worst pass/decision Arch makes all season. Because anything close to that recurring would likely be a lot more meaningful in SEC play. 

Arch had some bad QB luck vs. Ohio State in the first half. He made two tremendous throws that were dropped - Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. Two should have been TD's (or eventual TD with Coleman). He had a wonderful QB moment in the fourth quarter rally and victory over a very good Ohio State team. In order to be real, it's also very important to be fair. 

The first drive vs UTSA was solid. He got off to a quality start. There was seemingly progression in decision making vs Ohio State and UTSA. After taking the self inflicted big hit, that game changed. Around a number of errant throws in that game (and before the hit) was the illegal forward pass with 13:56 remaining in the third quarter. It happens for all quarterbacks, and has throughout the history of the game. 

Fast forward to the Tennessee game. I've never seen two illegal forward passes by the same quarterback in a game. Never. I'm sure it has happened, but my eyes weren't on the TV or in person for a game in history it happened. And I've certainly never seen three in two games, or an illegal forward pass by the same QB in back-to-back games. Again, it's probably happened somewhere in the history of the game, but my 51 year old eyes have never seen it. 

To do that three times in two games, and back-to-back games, is truly head scratching plays at the QB position. 

Around all that there were plays in each game where Arch was outside the tackle box and ate the ball taking an unneeded sack vs throwing the ball away. Similar to the end of the half vs. Texas State, those decisions don't hurt a team when you are winning, but one should clearly put those away in the memory bank if the decision making returns in game deciding situations or games. 

Well, the fourth quarter of the Oklahoma game happened less than 24 hours ago. The pick six interception pass can't be made, period. Under duress, Arch did a good job keeping the play alive, but what happened next just can't happen at the QB position. At some point in a quarterback's development, one has to register in the moment when the play calls for innate feel, instincts or extremely quick processing to throw the damn ball away. Not taking a sack in a meaningless game and throwing the ball away reps mattered earlier in the season. Sadly, the INT into triple coverage to the end the half vs. Texas State did not remain the worst pass thrown all season. I'm not going to break down the entire why the decision/throw was horrible, because it doesn't even need to be broken down. The ball wasn't valued. The moment wasn't valued. The situation wasn't valued. It wasn't processed in real time by a QB. 

Then there was the second INT. The reaction to the blitz was a forced throw again. It was a tough spot, but Manning had time to throw an uncatchable ball to the Texas coaches standing along the sideline. And this isn't a nitpick, as one can look at many scenarios in which a QB makes the correct throw away under duress with the game on the line. 

So where is Arch Manning at through five games this season, and 20 starts into his college career? In my opinion, he's now at the most important part of his career and development to date. Some really bad quarterback decisions in meaningless games early in the season became major in a rivalry game against a struggling team. A game that was given away by the Texas special teams, offense and quarterback. 

The head scratcher plays have to begin to cease. If we are still talking about them continuing to happen in November, there is a bigger problem that will have to be addressed. The plays in which one is forced to question innate feel and instincts for the position need to be in the rearview mirror, starting Saturday vs. Florida. The growth in game in split second decision making has to happen October 17. Period. 

The reality is Texas is going to score more points, make more explosive plays in the passing game and "look" better on offense the next three games in October. Texas isn't facing Matt Patricia, Jim Knowles and Brent Venables defenses and overall personnel level the next three games. But that doesn't mean Texas has suddenly improved or "found it" offensively. That doesn't mean Arch Manning has figured it out. This isn't about stats. This is about in game decision making, and seeing the correct growth. 

Time is no longer on Arch Manning's side, and on Texas' side. Growth has to be easily seen. The time is now. I'm rooting for Arch, as I always have been. The fishbowl and pressure of being a Manning following in massive footsteps is real. That will always be acknowledged when I speak about Arch. At the same time, he's in a position in which major and career arc changing growth at the position has to begin today. There is no other option after five games this season. I'm not expecting perfection, as that is not the real world. I am expecting key growth to begin now. It simply has to for Arch, and the Texas Longhorns 2026 season. 

 

No time like the present. He’s a smart kid and knows he can do better. This is a time for Sark to let him go play his game. Honestly, a lot of the struggles since OSU have come from Arch trying to be something he’s not. He’s like his granddad not his uncles. Let him be Arch and run and make plays. If he gets hurt at least it’ll be him making a play. 

[BurntOrangeHorn]

8 minutes ago, Cozer said:

Yes. I can’t help but think there’s a miscommunication between Sark and Arch. The chemistry just isn’t there. Hell, Ewers had more production at times and it was because of better decisions making. 

It is not miscommunication.  It is lack of execution.  It is not just Arch, but it does start with him.

Edited 33 minutes ago by BurntOrangeHorn

[Beldar]

30 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Going to call a spade a spade 

This is a post I didn't want to have to make. I'm a big fan of Arch Manning. Have been since seeing him for the first time in high school. He's a very hard worker. He carries himself the correct way. He cares. He's a very "good guy", just like he says he wants to be. That's what has been drilled into him by his family, and the family is great. I love his sense of humor, and he carries himself really well in a true fishbowl of life he will forever live in. I'm happy he's a Texas Longhorn. His commitment to Texas was and remains massive for the University of Texas. I've said before many times on the YouTube channel he's the first high school athlete that I've seen built up and broken down, as that is normally saved for pro athletes and a select few in college. Being Arch Manning comes with a lot of good to great, and some the exact opposite. He's certainly not going to be treated by the media in a click bait world like the normal athlete. It is what it is, and it's not easy for an 18-22 year old figuring out life just wanting to be a college "kid" while developing his craft. It was going to be that way for Arch at any blue blood he signed with.

With that said, I feel strongly that 20 starts and five games into the season with the fourth quarter vs. Oklahoma less than 24 hours removed is the time to address what has to happen moving forward for Manning. 

I thought back during the fourth quarter and after the game to the season opener vs. Texas State with 16 seconds remaining in the first half with Texas up 28-7. Texas was coming out of a timeout with the ball on the Texas State 10 yard line. I remember thinking (maybe saying on the Watch With Us) do not force a throw here. Even though the game wasn't in doubt, make the smart or correct quarterback play to end the half. Value points, value momentum, value the football. It all matters later in a season when games are on the line. Every play when a decision has to be made at the QB position is key part of development. Every single one. After an incompletion, Arch forced a throw over the middle into triple coverage that ended in a really bad interception. Did it hurt Texas in terms of winning or losing the game vs an inferior opponent? Of course not. Was it a really bad QB decision, absolutely. Arch said it after the game and on Monday. I remember saying on the Watch With Us that needs to be the worst pass/decision Arch makes all season. Because anything close to that recurring would likely be a lot more meaningful in SEC play. 

Arch had some bad QB luck vs. Ohio State in the first half. He made two tremendous throws that were dropped - Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. Two should have been TD's (or eventual TD with Coleman). He had a wonderful QB moment in the fourth quarter rally and victory over a very good Ohio State team. In order to be real, it's also very important to be fair. 

The first drive vs UTSA was solid. He got off to a quality start. There was seemingly progression in decision making vs Ohio State and UTSA. After taking the self inflicted big hit, that game changed. Around a number of errant throws in that game (and before the hit) was the illegal forward pass with 13:56 remaining in the third quarter. It happens for all quarterbacks, and has throughout the history of the game. 

Fast forward to the Tennessee game. I've never seen two illegal forward passes by the same quarterback in a game. Never. I'm sure it has happened, but my eyes weren't on the TV or in person for a game in history it happened. And I've certainly never seen three in two games, or an illegal forward pass by the same QB in back-to-back games. Again, it's probably happened somewhere in the history of the game, but my 51 year old eyes have never seen it. 

To do that three times in two games, and back-to-back games, is truly head scratching plays at the QB position. 

Around all that there were plays in each game where Arch was outside the tackle box and ate the ball taking an unneeded sack vs throwing the ball away. Similar to the end of the half vs. Texas State, those decisions don't hurt a team when you are winning, but one should clearly put those away in the memory bank if the decision making returns in game deciding situations or games. 

Well, the fourth quarter of the Oklahoma game happened less than 24 hours ago. The pick six interception pass can't be made, period. Under duress, Arch did a good job keeping the play alive, but what happened next just can't happen at the QB position. At some point in a quarterback's development, one has to register in the moment when the play calls for innate feel, instincts or extremely quick processing to throw the damn ball away. Not taking a sack in a meaningless game and throwing the ball away reps mattered earlier in the season. Sadly, the INT into triple coverage to the end the half vs. Texas State did not remain the worst pass thrown all season. I'm not going to break down the entire why the decision/throw was horrible, because it doesn't even need to be broken down. The ball wasn't valued. The moment wasn't valued. The situation wasn't valued. It wasn't processed in real time by a QB. 

Then there was the second INT. The reaction to the blitz was a forced throw again. It was a tough spot, but Manning had time to throw an uncatchable ball to the Texas coaches standing along the sideline. And this isn't a nitpick, as one can look at many scenarios in which a QB makes the correct throw away under duress with the game on the line. 

So where is Arch Manning at through five games this season, and 20 starts into his college career? In my opinion, he's now at the most important part of his career and development to date. Some really bad quarterback decisions in meaningless games early in the season became major in a rivalry game against a struggling team. A game that was given away by the Texas special teams, offense and quarterback. 

The head scratcher plays have to begin to cease. If we are still talking about them continuing to happen in November, there is a bigger problem that will have to be addressed. The plays in which one is forced to question innate feel and instincts for the position need to be in the rearview mirror, starting Saturday vs. Florida. The growth in game in split second decision making has to happen October 17. Period. 

The reality is Texas is going to score more points, make more explosive plays in the passing game and "look" better on offense the next three games in October. Texas isn't facing Matt Patricia, Jim Knowles and Brent Venables defenses and overall personnel level the next three games. But that doesn't mean Texas has suddenly improved or "found it" offensively. That doesn't mean Arch Manning has figured it out. This isn't about stats. This is about in game decision making, and seeing the correct growth. 

Time is no longer on Arch Manning's side, and on Texas' side. Growth has to be easily seen. The time is now. I'm rooting for Arch, as I always have been. The fishbowl and pressure of being a Manning following in massive footsteps is real. That will always be acknowledged when I speak about Arch. At the same time, he's in a position in which major and career arc changing growth at the position has to begin today. There is no other option after five games this season. I'm not expecting perfection, as that is not the real world. I am expecting key growth to begin now. It simply has to for Arch, and the Texas Longhorns 2026 season. 

 

Have never rooted harder for a kid. Really good Post. Still hoping we get it going. With this schedule , we better. 

[QuanCosbysBurner]

I completely agree. At this point in his career you can’t make those kind of plays. He might just might not be a good QB right now and unfortunately that sucks for us as fans. 

[HookemChappy]

Gerry, I could not agree with you more. Some positive out of this is at least it seems arch did learn not to take the sack in the close to the end zone again. Arch is just not processing at the level that he needs to be processing. I don’t know if that’s panic or adrenaline or just not a high enough football IQ, but there are some basic things that everyone starts to learn even at the lower high school level when playing QB we are close to field goal range with the clock running out. Worst case scenario is that we hold the ball a little longer pooch kick it and make them drive the field. You can’t throw the interception there. It also looks like to me that arch has gotten slower. He definitely does not seem as fast as he was last year. I haven’t seen him put it in that other gear yet. I really would like to see Sark give him 1/4 next week and if he makes a mental mistake to put KJ Lacey in. He did this with Quinn having him sit out to get his head right. I love arch and really wish I’m the best and really do want him to succeed with the team, but at the end of the day I want a chance at a national championship more

[HookemChappy]

11 minutes ago, HornFanatic said:

We must hire an offensive coordinator after this season. Until then Sark needs to minimize the playbook and let Arch just play football. 

It’s not gonna do any good to hire offensive coordinator. We have an offensive coordinator in flood well you really talking about is having a play caller. Even if sark get a play caller they will still be running the same offense. They just make a call. Different plays of the same schema that Sark has created. Play caller is not the answer here. We actually need a quarterback that can run the schema or it has to be simplified for arch cause he is not processing an NFL playbook.

[dentonhorn]

Sark being an offensive mind and great playercaller is a myth, self promoted one at times. Even with that, his primary issue is he will not make the tough call to replace his friends on staff.