Steve Sarkisian was pleased to see QB Arch Manning continue to progress in his first year as Texas’ starting quarterback. The redshirt sophomore is making great strides, and Sarkisian expressed how proud he was of him.Sarkisian told reporters after the Longhorns’ 34 31 win over No. 9 Vanderbilt. “[I’m] He is very proud. He was very proud. [has] The year has been long. He [has] been through a lot and so, for him to have some of the success he’s having right now — he deserves it.Manning completed 75.8% (25-for-33) of his passes for 328 yard, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in Week 10. Texas has won four straight games after a rough season. Manning’s first five starts were a struggle, with losses to Ohio State (and Florida) and Florida. It seemed that he was only able to perform well against lower competition. He completed 55.9% of his passes and totaled three touchdowns and three interceptions against the Buckeyes and the Gators, compared to a 64.3% completion rate and an 8-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in double-digit wins over San Jose State, UTEP and Sam Houston.In Texas’ 45-38 overtime win against Mississippi State last week, Manning stuffed the stat sheet, going 29-for-46 for a season-best 346 yards and three touchdowns. He suffered an injury on the first overtime play and spent much of the week undergoing concussion testing before he was cleared to play Friday. Sarkisian answered a question from a reporter asking whether he considered Saturday’s win over Vandy as a “statement” victory. Manning has been improving this season and Sarkisian said that he does. Sarkisian did not agree with him, but instead emphasized that Texas needed to keep going after losing its SEC debut. Sarkisian said, “They are all statement victories right now. “We’re in this situation. After losing your conference opener, you can only focus on one game at a given time.”Following Saturday’s win, Texas (7-2) is now 4-1 in the SEC behind Ole Miss, Alabama and Texas A&M. Texas’s Longhorns face an uphill struggle to reach the SEC Championship Game, after posting a 7-1 record in conference play. Saturday marked his third-highest completion rate of the season — and his most efficient outing since Texas earned Red River Rivalry bragging rights on Oct. 11.Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for a FOX Sports account or log in and you’ll receive a customized newsletter every day! FOLLOW Customize your FOX experience by following your favorite teams, players and leagues.
2025-11-02 01:30:06
‘He Deserves It’: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Praises QB Arch Manning After Win
