Because the No. 1 Longhorns head to Columbus to face No. 3 Ohio State in what coach Steve Sarkisian referred to as an “epic matchup,” all eyes are on Texas’ new beginning quarterback, Arch Manning.
Manning, the preseason Heisman Trophy favourite in response to ESPN BET, has made simply two begins in two years — in opposition to UL Monroe and Mississippi State final season — however this will likely be his first begin on the highway or in opposition to a ranked crew.
With all of the noise, Sarkisian stated his message to Manning has been simply to be himself.
“We’re not asking any superhuman efforts of you to do something that’s extraordinary,” Sarkisian stated Monday about what he informed Manning. “Simply go be you. What you’ve completed is sweet sufficient to get us thus far and to get him thus far on this juncture of his profession. Now go play the best way he’s able to taking part in to the type that he’s snug doing it.”
Manning threw for 939 yards with 9 touchdowns and a couple of interceptions in spot responsibility final season, whereas speeding for 108 yards and 4 touchdowns. His greatest efficiency was off the bench in opposition to UTSA final 12 months, when he changed Quinn Ewers and threw for 223 yards and 4 touchdowns on 9-of-12 passing whereas including a 67-yard landing run — the longest by a Texas quarterback since Vince Younger in 2005.
Now that he’s received the job full-time, he stated he gained’t take the chance without any consideration.
“That is what I’ve been ready for,” Manning stated Monday. “I spent two years not taking part in, so I’d as effectively go have some enjoyable.”
The sport marks simply the second time for the reason that AP ballot debuted in 1950 that two top-3 groups will meet of their season opener, in response to ESPN Analysis. The final time was 2017, when No. 1 Alabama beat No. 3 Florida State 24-7 and went on to win the nationwide championship.
It’s additionally a rematch of final season’s Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal, when the Buckeyes beat the Longhorns 28-14 within the Cotton Bowl.
Sarkisian stated these are two completely different groups from the tip of final season.
“When you take a look at final 12 months’s recreation, 26 gamers received drafted off of the 2 groups,” Sarkisian stated. “When you embrace free brokers. 32 gamers that have been taking part in in that recreation a 12 months in the past are actually within the NFL.”
The Longhorns return 9 starters and 30 gamers from final 12 months, however they nonetheless are the preseason No. 1. Sarkisian stated each groups’ rating is a testomony to their high quality, and he touted Ryan Day’s 70-10 head-coaching file.
“They’re not a gimmick crew in any respect,” Sarkisian stated of the Buckeyes. “I don’t imply to offend anyone, however the issues that they do are sound and so you need to beat them.”
However the Buckeyes have two new coordinators and, like Texas, are breaking in a brand new beginning quarterback in sophomore Julian Sayin.
“He’s a pure passer; he’s received a fast launch,” Sarkisian stated of Sayin. “He’s a greater athlete than you suppose, and he can run. So we undoubtedly have to be alert to that. … That is going to be a type of the place, if you go into the ring with any individual, what’s the plan? Because the rounds go on, you’ve received to have to have the ability to regulate.”
Texas has gained its final 11 true highway video games, which Sarkisian stated is a results of their course of, focus and game-day routine. However neither he nor Manning have ever been to Ohio Stadium. Manning stated he is aware of he’s received a proficient crew round him and doesn’t really feel any strain going into such a hostile atmosphere.
“I all the time must remind myself, it’s not all about me; it’s the entire crew,” Sarkisian stated. “It’s going to be a enjoyable one.”
Manning stated he doesn’t really feel a goal on his again as he steps into the position of full-time starter.
“I feel that’s all of us at Texas, and I feel we sort of attempt to shift the narrative,” Manning stated. “We’re going for everybody else. Goal’s not on our again, however we received the purple dot on everybody else.”
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