Texas fans really let Arch Manning hear it during the first half of Saturday’s game.
Late in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ tougher-than-expected 27-10 win against Texas-El Paso, Manning failed to complete a slant pass to wide receiver Ryan Niblett on third down, which marked his 10th straight incompletion.
Following the play, the crowd erupted in boos directed at Manning.
At halftime, Manning completed just 5-of-16 passes for 69 yards with an interception in the end zone early in the second quarter.
Manning did see some success running the ball, however, as he scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half.
Following high expectations this offseason, Manning has had a rough start to the season, including a rocky season-opener against Ohio State, where the 21-year-old completed just 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards while dropping the game to the Buckeyes, 14-7.
Manning told reporters following the loss to the Buckeyes that he has to “play better” for Texas to win.
“Ultimately, not good enough,” Manning said. “Obviously, you don’t want to start off the season going 0-1. They’re a good team, but I thought we beat ourselves a lot. That starts with me. I’ve got to play better for us to win.”
Manning did have a bounce-back game — albeit against lower competition — against San Jose State, throwing for 295 yards with four passing touchdowns in a 38-7 win over the Spartans.
After the San Jose State win, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Manning’s improved play was a testament to the work they put in following his poor performance against the Buckeyes.
“I thought today was a by-product of the week of work. He played aggressive throughout the week. He studied the game plan. He knew exactly what we were trying to do, and I thought today he played more of his style,” Sarkisian told reporters then. “He extended plays, used his legs, scrambles for a touchdown. That’s the style of player that he is.”
Manning will look to put together a better game next Saturday night in a home game against Sam Houston.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
