Texas HC Steve Sarkisian, Arch Manning reveal what was said during their ‘good talk’ on Sunday
The Longhorns are still searching for answers, but necessary steps are being taken.
The Texas Longhorns are 2-1 and aim to get to 3-1 Saturday versus Sam Houston State. But, Arch Manning’s play has left a lot to be desired. In fact – as he has admitted several times these last few weeks – he has been bad.
After defeating UTEP 27-10 last week, Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian met Sunday. The two had a “good talk” according to Arch as the two are working on correcting some things, playing within the offense, and getting better every day as SEC play starts next week.
On Tuesday, Manning talked with the media about what was said.
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Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning win uninspiring home contest versus UTEP – leaving several questions unanswered
Despite the win, there are still a lot of concerns for the Longhorns moving into Week 4.
Arch Manning addresses what he thinks is the root of the issue thus far.
“Probably mental, to be honest,” Manning said. “”I talked to Coach Sark yesterday. We had a really good talk.”
Sarkisian also talked with the media and went in-depth on what exactly he thinks is going on with his star quarterback and the sputtering offense.
“I feel good about the process that we’re in right now,” Sarkisian said Monday. “I thought Arch had a great practice this morning. I think so many times what happens is you can start looking at yourself, beating yourself up, focusing on yourself. Well, it’s already hard enough. The other team’s already trying to beat you up. The other team’s already trying to knock you down.
“So let’s not self-inflict wounds onto ourself. Let’s take some of that frustration and anger out on them, right? Let’s go after them, rather than go after ourselves and shift some of the focus, shift some of the anger, shift some of that frustration over there [to the opponent].
“And I think that he did that today [in practice]. I thought he did a great job and came out with a great kind of focus and energy about him. That is what I’m accustomed to. And so I anticipate he’s going to right this ship quickly, and that’s a credit to the players and coaches around him and helping him do that.”
Steve Sarkisian’s background as a former QB is something Arch Manning looks to pull from.
“Having him just be honest with me and tell me what he thinks and how I can get better, it’s great to have that back and forth with the head coach,” Manning said. “I’m blessed to have him in my corner.”
After his less-than-stellar performance versus the Miners, Manning was quick to self-assess.
“Yeah, it was frustrating, obviously, because I know I’m better than that,” Manning said Monday. “But we’re gonna be better this week, and we’re gonna get clicking on offense, and I’m excited to get going.
“It’s gonna come,” Manning said. “Not worried. Just gotta get back to playing my game.”
I think outside of Arch Manning playing his game, the fix is rather easy.
Texas HAS GOT TO get Tre Wisner back. He is still on the shelf and will probably stay there until next week when the Longhorns travel to Florida to open SEC play. The lack of a run game, a consistent one which is going to challenge front sevens, is what is holding Manning back in my opinion.
A potent run game can be a quarterback’s best friend. The wide receivers have been solid through three games. Jack Endries has flashed here and there. And the offensive line with four new starters honestly looks really good right now. All that is missing is a run game.
I think if Sarkisian can get Wisner and CJ Baxter back for conference play, this Texas team can go back to being the hunter and not the hunted.
