Hold onto your hats, college football fans! Arch Manning, the redshirt sophomore quarterback for the No. 20 Texas Longhorns, has just been crowned one of the Manning Award “Stars of the Week”! This honor, announced by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, highlights a performance that's got everyone talking.
Manning, a product of New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman, orchestrated an incredible comeback against Mississippi State on October 25th. The Longhorns found themselves in a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, a situation that would deflate most teams. But not this one. They fought back to win in overtime with a score of 45-38. This comeback ties for the seventh-largest in program history!
Manning's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He completed a career-high 29 passes out of 46 attempts (63.0%) for a career-best 346 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown for good measure. He led the Longhorns' charge, answering with touchdown drives after being down by 17 points twice. He connected with wide receiver Ryan Wingo for three passes of 45+ yards, including a 60-yarder, a 47-yarder, and a 62-yarder. With three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, this marks the third game this season and the fourth of his career where Manning has accounted for at least four touchdowns. It is also the third time this season and the fourth of his career he has had at least three passing touchdowns in a game. Manning has now had three 300-yard passing games in his career.
For the season, Manning's stats are impressive: 143-of-235 (60.9%) for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus 199 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His 126 points responsible for rank fourth in the SEC and 14th nationally, while his 15.8 points responsible for per game are also fourth in the SEC and 20th nationally.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think Manning's performance was the best of the week? Fans can vote on the Manning Award's social media (@ManningAward) until Wednesday at 9 a.m. CT to decide. The top vote-getter will be named the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week.
Up next, Texas faces No. 9/11 Vanderbilt at 11 a.m. CT Saturday, Nov. 1, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ABC.
What do you think? Was Manning's performance worthy of the hype? Let's discuss in the comments! Do you think the Longhorns have what it takes to go all the way?
