Paul Finebaum says Arch Manning is washed

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has been on the Arch Manning train from day one, saying that he was the most talented quarterback to enter the SEC since Tim Tebow, but after another miserable performance Saturday against UTEP, Finebaum says it’s over for the young QB.

“Listen, I’m not bright, but I’m not the stupidest person on the face of the earth. I’m out, okay? Count me out,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter.

“I gave it a shot. It blew up. I like Arch. He’s going to be a great player someday, maybe some year, but not this year. It’s over. Come on. You can’t look at three weeks and find a way to the front row in New York. So, nice knowing you, Arch. See you soon.”

Harsh words from a man who just weeks ago said Manning was a generational talent, but his struggles the last few weeks have many worried.

At one point during Saturday’s game, he had 10 incompletions, and the Longhorn fans let him have it. They booed the young quarterback. 

Manning was 11 for 25 for 114 yards. With one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for two touchdowns. Many wondered last week if Manning had an injury and that is why he is struggling, but Texas head coach Steve Sarkansian denied something with wrong with his star player. 

People are asking the same thing: if it’s not an injury, then what’s the problem? Maybe the problem is the pressure is getting to him. The young quarterback was supposed to win a Heisman, lead Texas to a national championship, and be the No. 1 overall draft pick in next year’s draft. So far, he hasn’t lived up to expectations, and this is only week 3.

Texas hasn’t even begun SEC play, and as the season moves along, the pressure will only build for a player who has yet to prove he can handle it.