Has Arch Manning ruined Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas or has Sarkisian wrecked Manning? ESPN’s Paul Finebaum believes it’s the latter.
Appearing on The Matt Barrie Show this morning, Finebaum declared that Sarkisian is to blame for Manning’s struggles this season, particularly amid their two-game losing streak.
“What a disaster. The absolute arrogance of [Steve] Sarkisian to crack back at people like me and others with the idiotic take of the year that if his [Manning’s] name was Joe Smith, you would be praising him,” Finebaum said. “I’m beginning to wonder if Arch Manning should even start. I know he will, and he’s capable of leading them to a win, but I blame Sarkisian for every aspect of this.”
Finebaum asserted that Sarkisian can no longer be seen as “an elite play caller” and has ruined the entire team, which he dubbed “the most talented team in the country.”
“We both have been incredibly high on (Florida coach Jon) Sumrall, and all the haters out there came after us when they fell apart,” Finebaum continued. “But I think he showed yesterday what he is capable of. I wish I could say the same thing about Steve Sarkisian, someone I’ve always liked and respected. And until last week called an elite play caller. He’s not. I have no earthly idea what Steve Sarkisian is doing. I think we all agree he shouldn’t be calling the plays. There’s too many other things going on in that sideline that are distracting, and he has made an absolute mess out of the most talented team in the country.”
Texas is not back right now.
In the span of just eight days, Texas has gone from the No. 1 team in the nation to No. 19. The cause of the losses has pretty much been the same in their losses to Oklahoma and Florida: A fourth quarter collapse where Manning committed back-breaking turnovers.
Manning has gotten so bad that many fans and analysts believe that he needs another year in college before even considering a move to the NFL.
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But Sarkisian needs to be held accountable as well. The defense which has been touted as having the best accumulation of talent in the country has been above average at best and the run game has been contributing very little.
Texas might be stuck between a rock and a hard place though. If they bench Manning, he may not play another down for them and transfer to another team next year. If they fire Sarkisian, Manning may transfer regardless.
All Texas can really do is try to salvage the season.
