Arch Manning reveals true feelings about Texas Longhorns Week 6 game against Florida Gators
This one is quite interesting for several reasons on both the Texas and Florida sidelines.
This will be the first road challenge for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning in a SEC capacity. The Week 1 game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t go very well. Since then, though, Manning has 13 total touchdowns since Week 2 – leading the conference.
Billy Napier’s Florida Gators are just 1-3, but the defense is salty. DJ Lagway is uber-talented and of course the roster is littered with talent. This isn’t lost on the Texas signal caller. And he acknowledged it to the media this week.
“Yeah, they’re a really good defense. Got a lot of talent. That front is really good, and the DBs are good, so they’re well coached. And we’re gonna have our hands full.”
The bye week came at the perfect time for Arch Manning, Texas.
“I think the break came at a good time for us to get our bodies back and kind of take a little mental break over the weekend and get back to it,” Manning said. “So I think it gave us a good time, energy, and practice. Yeah, I feel like our team as a whole went out there and had a lot of energy and practiced with intent today. I think having some time off, we’re excited to get back and get rolling again.”
Texas desperately needs Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter back. Steve Sarkisian said last week he thinks both will be available for the game versus the Gators. If both are back, I think this offense takes a massive step forward.
The wide receivers have flashed in spurts here and there and Jack Endries has done a few nice things, but Manning needs more help. He can’t do it all on his own. He definitely can’t do it all alone on the road in the SEC.
Key stats for Texas at Florida
- The Longhorns are undefeated all-time against the Gators (4-0)
- Billy Napier’s offense is averaging just 11 points per game vs FBS schools
- Texas defense is holding ball carriers to 2.1 yards per carry
- Florida has been outscored 46-17 the last two weeks
Both Texas and Florida are coming off a bye week.
But where will the head space be for each program? Texas whipped Sam Houston 55-0 and are working to get several big-time playmakers back in time for Saturday. Florida got demolished by rival Miami and were sent home looking for answers.
If Texas gets an early lead, stacks some three-and-outs on defense, and/or gets a turnover or two, this one could snowball for the Gators. Napier’s offense could hardly do anything against the likes of South Florida. LSU and Miami have good defenses, but if you can’t move it against the Bulls what do you expect to happen against Texas’ elite unit?
Books opened this one at Texas -6.5 and then it quickly shifted to -7. I don’t think it’s enough. If I was spending my own money, I would lay the points. Hell, I would lay the points with Texas if the number was 12 or 13. And it’s because I have no idea what Florida will do to score, not because of how “good” Texas is. That remains to be seen.
Texas Longhorns News
Steve Sarkisian ready to unlock important part of Arch Manning’s game this weekend versus the Florida Gators
There is one thing the Texas head coach is ready to unleash in the Swamp.
