Texas QB Arch Manning under fire by CFB analyst for mismanaging injury or underperforming

Coming into the season, Texas was believed to have one of the top quarterbacks in all of college football — but so far, that hasn’t seemed to be the case. SEC analyst Paul Finebaum was more bullish on Arch Manning than just about anyone.

“I am as married to Arch Manning as an old geezer like me can be to a young, great college quarterback, but I like everything about him and I think you said something. The Manning name matters, but it isn’t going to matter that field in a couple of weeks at Ohio State. The experience of being an understudy to Ewers and understanding Sark’s system is what’s going to get them over the top and probably — well, not probably — definitely beat Ohio State in the opener,” Finebaum said.

However, after Week 1, a theory began to emerge that Manning may be dealing with an injury following his performance against the Buckeyes.

“The Arch Manning reaction is too harsh. He’s only 21 and played against the defending national champions. Deserves time. But missing open receivers as badly as he did here (and all game) is so rough. Strange how he kept side arming it. Injury? Yips? Hmm,” Kevin O’Connor posted.

Speculation only grew the following week, after Manning was seen grimacing while making a throw. On Saturday, his performance didn’t improve — and at this point, it may be time to sound the alarm.

“Arch Manning thoughts: 1. If he is injured and this is the result, he shouldn't be playing. 2. If he isn't injured and this is the result, that's bad,” On3’s Ari Wasserman wrote.

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If Manning is dealing with an injury, the Longhorns may have waited too long to act — especially with SEC play right around the corner.

Texas has managed to escape with a few wins so far, but that won’t last much longer. What’s clear is that either Manning isn’t performing at the level expected, or something is being hidden behind the scenes. Even if the plan is to ride out the season with him, there was ample opportunity earlier in the year to rest him and allow whatever issue he may be dealing with to fully heal.