Arch Manning made headlines last week after delivering a standout performance during his first significant action as a Texas Longhorn.
The freshman quarterback threw four touchdowns and added a 67-yard rushing score in Texas’ dominant 56-7 win over UTSA.
With starter Quinn Ewers sidelined due to an abdominal injury, Manning has officially been named the starter for this Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe.
With Texas looking every bit like the No. 1 team in the country, you would think that ULM would be on their best behavior and make sure not to ruffle too many feathers.
Apparently, that memo didn’t reach the desk of Warhawks defensive coordinator Earnest Hill.
“We actually have some kids on our team who played against him in New Orleans, and a couple guys done beat him already,” Hill said, referencing players on his roster who competed against Manning in high school.
Hill didn’t mince words about how his players view the youngest member of the Manning football dynasty.
“They don’t hold too much fear against him. They’re not gonna hold any fear against him coming up here,” he added, suggesting that Manning’s reputation alone won’t intimidate the ULM defense.
Of course, Hill is trying to instill confidence in his players. However, there may have been more efficient ways to go about it.
Hill did make sure to praise both Ewers and Manning.
“I think Ewers, the only thing he has on Manning is he’s played more games,” Hill admitted. “Manning, he’s been raised to be a quarterback. His uncles, both of them, very successful, so he’s been taught the right way. He’s been at every quarterback camp.”
Manning’s unprecedented football pedigree – being the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning (as well as the grandson of Archie) – has long been a topic of conversation, and Hill was quick to acknowledge it.
“He’s at Texas for a reason,” Hill said. “It’s an opportunity for him to actually start a game and see what he can do.”
As the Longhorns, currently ranked as the No. 1 team in the country, gear up to take on Louisiana-Monroe, the spotlight will be on whether Manning can continue his momentum.
Of course, Texas is expected to roll in the game. However, all eyes will be on Manning to see how he will follow up such a phenomenal performance.
What are your thoughts on ULM’s DC running his mouth?
Do you think Texas has a quarterback controversy on their hands? … Or does the starting job belong to Ewers as soon as he gets healthy???