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Steve Sarkisian addresses why Texas withheld Arch Manning-specifc package

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•12/05/24•

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Arch Manning, Texas
Arch Manning, Texas - © Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian unleashed quarterback Arch Manning in specific packages against the Texas A&M Aggies. In particular, Manning thrived in the game in quarterback run looks in that game.

Those were looks that Texas hadn’t shown as frequently early in the season. However, as Sarkisian explained in his pregame press conference for the SEC Championship Game, the way that Manning has improved throughout the season has led to getting more chances in special formations.

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“I think part of it is really fortunate and I think Arch was fortunate to get so much experience early in the season when Quinn [Ewers] got hurt,” Steve Sarkisian said. “He really got two and a half games under his belt. Two starts. He started the first game we had in the SEC against Mississippi State. So, all those things I think gave him confidence but gave us confidence in him.”

In the win over Texas A&M, Arch Manning did not throw a pass. However, he did carry the ball three times for 14 yards and he had a rushing touchdown. That’s after he threw for 939 yards and nine touchdowns in the playing time that he’s earned throughout the season. For the season as a whole, Manning has also rushed for 95 yards and four touchdowns.

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“He continues to prepare at a really high level. Inevitably as you work your way through as a season, sometimes you’ve got to keep a few things up your sleeve. That’s the way it goes,” Sarkisian said.

The Longhorns are going to be taking on the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game. The first time those two teams played, the Bulldogs won 30-15, largely on the back of a strong first-half performance. At one point, in that game, Steve Sarkisian benched Quinn Ewers for Arch Manning to try and give Ewers a chance to reset. It also gave Manning experience against Georgia.

In the game against Georgia, Arch Manning completed three out of six passes for 19 yards.

A win in the SEC Championship Game will clinch a first round bye in the College Football Playoff for the winner. The other will likely host in the first round but will have had less time off than their opponent. So, there’s plenty for both sides to play for going into the SEC Championship Game and Sarkisian will presumably have something new for the Georgia defense to try and deal with in this game.