Why 3 reasons Arch Manning and the Texas offense are clicking at the perfect time in CFP push
Manning steadies his play
After Texas lost to Florida, head coach Steve Sarkisian said the team would evaluate everything. Manning responded with a stronger stretch, completing 62 of 88 passes for 729 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions across Weeks 8-10.
He has not thrown an interception in the last two games, a first for him this season. The improvement echoes last year, when Manning settled down after losses to Florida and Ohio State and played better in the second half.
Brown fills a backfield need
Hollywood Smothers, one of the transfers Texas planned to use in the backfield, is reportedly out for the year with a torn MCL. Raleek Brown has taken on a larger role and produced as both a runner and receiver.
During the winning streak, Brown has 48 carries for 272 yards and a touchdown, plus eight catches for 74 yards and two scores. One reception was a 23-yard touchdown against Missouri that put Texas ahead 27-20; the Longhorns held that lead.
Quick passes free playmakers
Ryan Wingo leads Texas with 523 receiving yards and four touchdowns this year, and he has topped 50 yards in two of his last three games. Emmett Mosley V has exceeded 80 receiving yards twice during the winning streak, while his connection with Manning has grown.
Key points
- Texas has won three straight after a 4-2 start midway through October.
- Manning threw seven touchdowns and two interceptions across Weeks 8-10.
- Brown has contributed as a runner and receiver since Smothers was reportedly sidelined.
- A quicker passing game is helping Texas get the ball to its playmakers in space.