After an upset loss at the hands of the University of Florida, a legendary figure in Longhorns history advises Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
Before the Red River Rivalry game with Oklahoma, Texas quarterback Arch Manning received advice from a coaching legend. Manning suffered a road loss, and the routine punishment of repeated hits could mount. Facing a defensive line in Oklahoma that likes to generate severe pressure means that he must avoid precarious situations.
Texas Coaching Legend Mack Brown Details A Dangerous Flaw in QB Arch Manning’s Game
Many believe that Manning’s best attribute is technical proficiency, which usually produces outstanding results. In the face of pressure, like standing in the pocket, the sophomore signal-caller climbs the ladder and delivers the ball. Climbing the ladder refers to a passer stepping forward if the pass rush collapses the pocket.
Brown, who led Texas to their last national title, discussed Manning moving towards the rush and not veering away when throwing. Brown articulated his concerns on his podcast, “THE STAMPEDE: A Podcast on the Texas Longhorns.”
“Mack Brown says Arch Manning got hit a lot of times throwing it; if they are pushing the O-line back in your feet, you can’t step forward, and you can’t throw, and you are going to break a hand, and you can’t get the ball where it’s supposed to be.”
Florida pressured Manning from all angles, choosing to send extra rushers whenever they could. The Gators contacted Manning on most of his throws. The quarterback finished 16 of 29 for 263 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Florida sacked Manning six times en route to a 29-21 victory.
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Currently, PFSN ranks Manning 74th in their College Football Quarterback Impact Meter, which grades a quarterback’s rushing and passing performance. If he hopes to improve that number, the Longhorns must contain an Oklahoma pass rush tied for second in sacks (21) and second in fewest passing yards allowed (118.4).
Oklahoma typically operates with four down linemen, but with some wrinkles. For example, the Sooners will use twists, loops, and stunts to get the offensive line reaching laterally. Alternatively, they will use a wider loop and then send a linebacker through the newly created gap. The Sooners sacked Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold ten times in their game.
Texas (3-2) needs to avoid another loss, one that could damage its hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff.
Manning, while solidly built at six feet four inches and 225 pounds, probably doesn’t want to suffer hits while throwing the ball or at any other time. Brown’s advice could actually extend the lifespan of the drives and save wear and tear.