ESPN analyst defends Arch Manning, saying he's carrying the Longhorns

ESPN analyst Trevor Matich came to the defense of Arch Manning this week, saying the Texas Longhorns signal-caller has been unfairly criticized amid an up-and-down season.

During Wednesday’s ESPN2 broadcast of Jacksonville State’s game against Middle Tennessee, Matich argued that Texas' strugglIes reflect the team’s offensive issues as a whole and not Manning's performance.

“You can gripe about Arch, but he’s been walking barefoot through broken glass for this team,” Matich said. “He has carried this team with his arm because they can’t run the ball. Their running backs’ yards per carry is one of the worst in the SEC. They can’t protect Arch. He’s been sacked 18 times, which is one of the most in the conference.”

Matich also applauded Manning’s toughness in last week’s 45-38 overtime win against Mississippi State. He threw for 346 yards and four total touchdowns before leaving with a concussion.

“Texas was down 17 points in the fourth quarter because they couldn’t protect him,” Matich said. “Arch brought them back with his arm until he got concussed trying to get to the end zone.”

More: Texas QB Arch Manning questionable but still in concussion protocol

Through eight games, Manning has thrown for 1,795 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also added six rushing score this year.

Texas (6-2) hosts No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday. The top ten test comes as Manning tried to work himself out of the concussion protocol. 

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