Arch Manning’s first career start: Two TDs, two INTs and several lessons as Texas beats ULM

The long-awaited debut of freshman quarterback Arch Manning at Texas had its ups and downs, but the Longhorns dominated an outmatched Louisiana-Monroe 51-3 on Saturday night before 102,850 at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning started Saturday night in place of injured starter Quinn Ewers, who is recovering from a strained oblique muscle he suffered last week in a win over UTSA.

Manning led the Longhorns’ first-team offense for 10 runs, and left the game early in the fourth period when true freshman Trey Owens took the court. Here’s what we learned from his performance.

Manning’s main highlights

It’s easy to see why Manning was such a sought-after recruit. His arm strength and accuracy were impressive on Saturday night. The deep balls he uncorked usually landed on or near their intended targets, and he completed passes of 56 and 46 yards.

ARCH MANNING REACTS AFTER HIS INT 🔥

A 56-yard DIME right into the hands of Isaiah Bond 😤 photo.twitter.com/mZ1aDgpLzT

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Manning never seemed fazed, even when he took a big hit. He got back up every time. And he handled the offense like a veteran quarterback.

ARCH MANNING DROPPIN’ DIMES vs. UL Monroe 😳

A throw and catch of 46 yards to Matthew Golden 💪 photo.twitter.com/xWJtwqYu8A

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024

He came back from an interception on his first drive to lead four straight touchdown drives, pushing Texas to a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter. It was a mixed showing from there, and he threw another interception late in the first half, but he finished strong with two more touchdown drives of 66 and 63 yards in the second half. — Sam Khan Jr.

Scouting Arch’s first start

It certainly wasn’t perfect, but Manning seemed to have the offense firmly under control, wasn’t confused or overwhelmed by checks or changes, and kept things moving against a lesser opponent with ease. Texas put Manning in a variety of play-action situations, allowing the big-armed sophomore to throw some pretty deep balls. Like many quarterbacks his age, Manning still defaults to the deepest throw in the draft. He forced one through multiple defenders early and was intercepted. He threw another through two more defenders a short while later and nearly completed it. More experience should bring more comfort and iron out most of the current hiccups in Manning’s game.

He’s still a little late in his overall pocket processing, especially when the coverage isn’t what he expected or a route gets out of whack. A lot of it is timing, though, and Manning is a young backup — so that’s understandable. Overall, this will go down as a great experience for Manning, as he was able to put both great throws and correctable errors on tape. He’ll gain confidence and learn a lot at the same time. — Nick Baumgardner

Texas continues to play its QB situation correctly

While Manning’s highlights were impressive, his mistakes showed his youth and inexperience. From forcing throws he shouldn’t have to simply lacking the refinement that Ewers has from his 25 career starts, it’s clear that Manning still has room to grow.

Manning’s potential seems limitless given his sheer physical ability. Saturday’s extended action will be a good learning tape for coach Steve Sarkisian. — Khan

GALLING DEEPER

How Texas Achieves Rare QB Harmony With Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers

Arch’s first college interception

Right now, Manning’s biggest areas of improvement are overall pocket awareness and quickly moving through his progressions when his initial read is taken away. The first pick of his college career, on Texas’ opening drive, was an example of both. Manning took an unnecessary hit because he stared at a read for far too long, instead of either stepping off that receiver and going to his No. 2 or scrambling. He then forced a throw through three defenders. Everything about Manning’s passing mechanics, from his feet to his release, is ahead of his years. The fundamentals of playing quarterback against live defenders, though? Still a work in progress, as expected. — Baumgardner

Arch Manning throws his first career interception on the game’s opening drive. photo.twitter.com/2wXd8q4HcK

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024

Should Quinn Ewers be looking over his shoulder?

No, there’s no quarterback controversy in Austin. Quinn Ewers led Texas to the College Football Playoff last season, coming within an endzone deflection of Washington from advancing to the national championship game. Just two weeks ago, Ewers tore apart Michigan in the Big House, a performance so impressive that it helped the Longhorns move to No. 1 in the AP poll a week later. Once he’s healthy, Manning will once again be the nation’s best backup quarterback.

It would clearly be a problem for Sarkisian if Ewers were to return but struggle, especially with games against Oklahoma and Georgia coming up back-to-back in mid-October. But if and when Texas does lose for the first time, it likely won’t be because of the passing game, which has been the team’s biggest strength thus far. — Stewart Mandel

(Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images)