Texas Offense Transforms with Arch Manning: What’s Behind the Change?

In a pivotal shift this season, the Texas Longhorns football team has shown promise as it moves toward a challenging schedule. After a rocky start, the team rallied, especially in their recent games against Mississippi State and No. 9 Vanderbilt.

Turning Point Against Mississippi State

On October 25, the Longhorns faced a daunting 17-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter against Mississippi State. The team had struggled offensively, leading to frustrations among fans regarding head coach Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling. However, the fourth quarter sparked a remarkable comeback that changed the pace of their season.

Arch Manning’s Resurgence

Arch Manning, a young quarterback, has been central to this transformation. In his 11th career start, he delivered exceptional performance, boasting over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns for the second consecutive game. This improved performance comes after recovering from a concussion.

Improved Offensive Line Performance

A key factor in Manning’s resurgence is the enhanced performance of the offensive line. During the game against Vanderbilt, Manning faced minimal pressure, experiencing only a 17.6 percent pressure rate. This was a stark contrast to the 41.9 percent rate he faced earlier in the season. Sarkisian attributed much of this success to strategic personnel changes in the offensive line.

Coaching Adjustments and Game Strategy

Coaching strategies have also evolved. Sarkisian shifted to more short passes, allowing Manning to gain confidence early in the game. Utilizing “11 personnel” on 66.7 percent of offensive snaps, Texas focused on plays that exploited Vanderbilt’s weak tackling. This change emphasized the team’s speed and ability to score quickly.

Developing a Balanced Attack

• Running back Quintrevion Wisner contributed significantly, finishing with 75 yards.
• Texas’s recent offensive turnaround includes scoring on 10 of their last 12 drives.

This resurgence comes as a crucial adjustment; earlier in the season, Texas averaged only 2.1 points per drive, ranking them 88th in the FBS.

Looking Ahead

The Longhorns’ improvement has shifted the team’s mindset. Sarkisian has noted a transition from relying heavily on the defense to adopting a more aggressive offensive strategy.

Future Expectations

As they prepare for their upcoming game against Georgia on November 15, Texas aims to maintain this momentum. With the combination of a strengthened offense and a solid defense, the Longhorns are looking to make November a significant month, potentially impacting their chances for a College Football Playoff berth.

“November is when we need to be at our best,” Sarkisian stated, emphasizing the team’s focus on growth and improvement as they head into a crucial phase of the season.