Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning faced criticism on social media for his performance during the team’s 16-13 win over the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday night. Despite securing the victory, Manning’s struggles on the field drew sharp reactions from fans, who questioned his ability to elevate his game to a higher level. Manning, who led the Longhorns to a win over No. 6 Oklahoma last week, struggled with 12-of-27 passing efficiency for just 132 yards, while his rushing attempts yielded a net of -1 yard on 11 carries. However, the Longhorns managed to eke out a 16-13 win thanks to a Mason Shipley field goal in overtime.
Manning acknowledged that the defense stepped up to play a critical role in the victory. ‘The defense had our back all night,’ he said via the Houston Chronicle. ‘Ultimately, I got to play better. We’ve got to start faster. Obviously, it was a rough night for the offense.’ Texas only managed eight first downs and 179 yards of total offense on 12 drives. Nonetheless, head coach Steve Sarkisian praised the team’s resilience and grit in securing the win against a tough SEC opponent. ‘What a win,’ Sarkisian said. ‘I’ve said this all along. You go on the road at night in the SEC this league is tough. It’s hard, and for us to find a way to win this game tonight.’
The victory brought Texas’ record to 5-2, with the team improving to 2-1 against SEC opponents. The Longhorns are now fifth in the conference standings and face a challenging road trip to Mississippi State next weekend. While Manning’s performance drew mixed reactions, the team’s ability to secure the win highlighted the depth of the program and the importance of collective effort in football. However, questions remain about the quarterback’s ability to consistently perform to a higher standard, especially as the season progresses and challenges mount.