This was a tantalizing glimpse. An enticing peek. A brief window into the future.
Odds are, we’ll get a longer look the next few weeks, as Quinn Ewers recovers from the abdominal strain he suffered in the first quarter against UTSA.
But as first impressions go, Arch Manning was a smashing hit. His first throw was a 19-yard touchdown pass. The first time he took off, he hit pay dirt 67 yards later, a run his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli, were incapable of even at their athletic best. He produced five total touchdowns and 276 yards.
There were questions about Manning. If he was worthy of the hype. Deserving of his lofty No. 1 high school ranking. And, yes, it was a made-to-order cupcake. Manning would’ve likely played in the second half even if Ewers didn’t get hurt.
But think about this: In the first meaningful college snaps of his career, he more than met the moment. He surpassed it.
Manning clearly has the game to match his famous last name. He has a big arm like Eli and Peyton and the ability to move they lacked. The rumor always had it that his father, Cooper, was a better athlete than his brothers, a receiver who landed a scholarship to Ole Miss. But he never played there after he was found to have spinal stenosis, ending his career early.
Predictably, the reactions were well over the top. Social media was abuzz with that long touchdown run that immediately went viral. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum predicted he would win the Heisman, which Eli and Peyton never did, either this season or more likely next season. NFL fans, specifically Giants supporters, were already posting on X about tanking next year to land him.
Expect it to intensify. Some will even suggest he should keep the job if he plays well. But don’t expect a Wally Pipp situation. Ewers led Texas to the College Football Playoff last year and is in play to be the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft.
Up next is another patsy, UL Monroe, Manning should be able to get fat on. Then it gets much more interesting. The SEC opener against Mississippi State, followed by the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on Oct. 12 and No. 1 Georgia visits Austin Oct. 19. It’s uncertain how long Ewers will be out. Abdominal strains can take several weeks.
In the immediate future, Texas is Manning’s team. He showed on Saturday he is up to the task.
Kent’ coach that way
Kentucky played a whale of a game. Its defense held Georgia to 262 yards of offense. The Wildcats ran for 170 yards on the Bulldogs defense full of NFL prospects. It stood toe-to-toe with the top-ranked team in the country.
It’s a shame for the Wildcats that their coach, Mark Stoops, adopted the old Herm Edwards coaching not to lose playbook. With a chance to pull off a stunning upset, just a week after an ugly no-show 25-point home loss to South Carolina, Stoops coached scared. He coached conservatively. And, naturally, he lost, 13-12.
Late in the first half, Kentucky had a first down at the Georgia 14-yard-line with nine seconds left. More than enough time to take a shot at the end zone. Stoops opted for a field goal. On the Wildcats’ first possession after halftime, they drove down to the Georgia 22. Fourth-and-two, and Stoops again calls for the field goal.
Then, the coup de gras. Down one, only 2:57 left. Fourth-and-8 at the Georgia 47. What does Stoops do? He punts. Kentucky would get the ball back with just nine seconds to go. His players deserved better.
Group think
The battle for the Group of Five spot in the playoff is shaping up to be pretty interesting. Three teams to keep an eye on: UNLV of the Mountain West, and Northern Illinois and Toledo of the MAC. UNLV upset Kansas while Toledo crushed Mississippi State on Saturday. Both teams are 3-0 after the road victories. Up next for UNLV is surprising Syracuse at home. Northern Illinois, meanwhile, had a bye after its shocking win at Notre Dame. It hosts Toledo on Oct. 19. One of these schools could be the first Cinderella in the 12-team playoff.
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