In Austin, Texas, the Longhorns are gearing up for a pivotal SEC showdown against No. 7 Mississippi. Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed he will keep Arch Manning under center, despite the quarterback’s recent difficulties and calls from some fans for backup KJ Lacey.
Family legacy and season challenges
Arch Manning, the third‑generation quarterback of the famed Manning family, entered the season with high expectations. His grandfather, Archie Manning, starred for the Rebels, and his uncle, Eli, won a Super Bowl. Yet the Longhorns have stumbled, dropping consecutive games to unranked opponents and falling from a No. 1 ranking to a 4‑2 record (1‑2 in the SEC). Sarkisian acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “I need to see a better version of Arch,” while affirming his confidence in the young signal‑caller.
Manning responded with determination, promising to eliminate hesitation in pass protection and to play “fast and free”. “I’m gonna die on the hill of letting it rip,” he declared, signaling his commitment to lead the offense back to its historic standards.
Coaching criticism and offensive woes
Sarkisian has faced criticism of his own play‑calling. Texas’ offense currently ranks in the bottom third of the SEC and has not scored more than three touchdowns since the season opener. The Longhorns have not recorded a third‑quarter touchdown in their last five games, managing only two field goals in that span. Against Florida last week, the offense ran just six plays in the third quarter, gaining a mere eight yards.
Mississippi, meanwhile, has rebounded from a surprising loss to Florida, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss guiding a revitalized offense. The Rebels’ defense, once ranked 108th nationally, posted a dominant 31‑3 victory over Missouri.
Backup options and injury concerns
If Manning struggles again, Sarkisian may turn to KJ Lacey, a four‑star recruit from Alabama who has seen limited action this season. Lacey’s most recent appearance was a mop‑up stint against UTSA, where he completed seven of eight passes without a touchdown.
Texas also faces a key injury on defense. All‑American pass rusher Colin Simmons, who has tallied 10½ sacks, is doubtful with a high‑ankle sprain. His backup, Richard Wesley, is also out, leaving the Longhorns without a primary edge‑rusher for the Ole Miss game.
Rebels’ perspective
Mississippi coach Pete Golding dismissed the criticism surrounding Manning and Texas’ sideline turmoil, recalling the Longhorns’ historic upset of No. 1 Ohio State in 2022. “Arch is still an elite player. They’ve got elite skill and a really good coach,” Golding said, underscoring the respect the Rebels have for Texas’ talent.
As the Longhorns prepare for Saturday night’s clash, the stakes are clear: a third loss could end their College Football Playoff aspirations. With a storied family name, a committed coach, and a quarterback eager to prove himself, Texas hopes to turn the tide and re‑establish its place among the SEC elite.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
