Arch Manning and the No. 7 Texas Longhorns are facing renewed scrutiny after their 27-24 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Saturday’s Red River Rivalry. Texas entered the matchup ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25, but two fourth-quarter interceptions by Manning helped turn a potential win into a damaging defeat.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian defended Manning after the defeat, arguing that his famous last name has made him a bigger target for criticism. However, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum strongly disagreed with Sarkisian’s comments and had some words for Manning during Wednesday’s appearance on “Get Up.”
Paul Finebaum Calls Arch Manning’s Costly Errors vs Oklahoma ‘Unforgivable’
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Finebaum questioned whether Manning would hold the same starting role without the attention and expectations attached to his family.
“That is complete hogwash, and Steve Sarkisian knows that,” Finebaum said. “I mean, that’s one of the most absurd things I’ve ever heard Sarkisian say, and I’m a big fan of his and will continue to praise him in spite of him just whiffing on that. I’m not even sure Arch Manning would be starting at Texas if his name was Joe Smith.”
Finebaum acknowledged that Manning has shown positive signs, but argued that the mistakes against Oklahoma were too costly to overlook.
“He has played that poorly in spots. Now listen, I’ll defer to Jordan. You break down his tape, and he does very well, other than the fact that he blows the game against Oklahoma, and to me, that is unforgivable.”
Two Fourth-Quarter Interceptions Cost Texas Against Oklahoma
Texas led 17-10 entering the fourth quarter, but Manning’s first interception was returned for a touchdown by Oklahoma’s Peyton Bowen, putting the Sooners in front. Manning later threw a touchdown pass to Jermaine Bishop Jr. to tie the game, but his second interception, caught by Courtland Guillory late in regulation, gave Oklahoma another opportunity.
Tate Sandell converted a 47-yard field goal as time expired to secure the 27-24 victory.
Manning finished with 260 passing yards and three touchdown passes, but his late turnovers overshadowed his production. One interception was returned for a touchdown, and another gave Oklahoma a chance to win with a field goal as time expired.
The result ended Texas’ unbeaten start and intensified the debate surrounding Manning’s development as the team’s starting quarterback.
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