Arch Manning finally made his highly anticipated debut as a starter for Texas, but ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky had issues. Speaking out in social media, Orlovsky was not impressed and thinks the coaching staff is preventing him from playing like he should.
“Imagine having a generational talent at QB and having the training wheels on all game,” Orlovsky wrote on X, taking a clear shot at Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s approach.
The former quarterback claimed Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns coaching staff held back Manning, keeping him from fully showcasing the arm and playmaking ability that made him the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 recruiting class.
For Orlovsky, this was a wasted opportunity to let one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent memory stretch the field and take control of the game.
Orlovsky’s criticism questioned whether Sarkisian’s cautious approach could slow Manning’s development. This game against Ohio State, one of college football’s best, was a great stage to put on display the young signal caller’s talent.
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The Longhorns may have prioritized minimizing mistakes, as this is Manning’s first season as a starter. Now the debate going forward will now center on whether they are doing a disservice to a quarterback built to thrive in big games.
Texas only managed one offensive touchdown that Manning threw late in the game.Having the Longhorns fall to Ohio State to the score of 14-7.
The defending champions defense held Manning to only 170 passing yards, a disappointing start to the season for an early Heisman trophy candidate.
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Orlovsky’s blunt assessment has sparked conversation across social media, as the conversation around the game was that Manning was underwhelming and generating mixed reactions and if Manning is the issue or if Sarkisian didn’t let him loose.
Sarkisian’s next decisions will be under the microscope as the season progresses, with eyes on how well Manning looks in his next few outings.
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