Texas QB Arch Manning Sparks Debate After 83-Yard TD Pass vs San Jose State

Arch Manning's tenure as Texas Longhorns' quarterback began with significant scrutiny after an underwhelming Week 1 performance against Ohio State, where he completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Critics and fans alike expressed disappointment, with some labeling him a bust and questioning his ability to meet the high expectations set by his famous football lineage. However, Manning rebounded impressively in Week 2 against San Jose State, throwing four touchdowns and accumulating 295 passing yards, which helped to silence many early doubters. Despite some critics pointing out flaws in his plays, including a widely discussed 83-yard touchdown pass that was aided by defensive errors, supporters and analysts, including former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, urged patience and emphasized that Manning's nerves likely affected his initial game. The long-awaited start for Manning was also complicated by intense media scrutiny and the weight of expectations as a Manning heir, but his Week 2 performance suggests promise for his role as Texas's starting quarterback. Overall, the narrative around Arch Manning is shifting from harsh criticism to cautious optimism as he continues to develop at Texas.