Arch Manning Gets Love from CFB Fans in ‘Confidence Builder’ Game as Texas Beats SHSU

Arch Manning was pulled early in the third quarter after leading a touchdown drive that put No. 8 Texas up 45-0 over Sam Houston with 10:46 remaining in the period.

Fans showed plenty of love for the sophomore quarterback after a bounce-back performance for the ages, as he went 18-of-21 for 309 yards and three passing touchdowns, adding two more on the ground.

Receiver Ryan Wingo caught four passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Washington added 33 receiving yards and a score. Running back Jerrick Gibson contributed 53 total yards and a rushing touchdown.

The Longhorns are on their way to improving  to 3-1 on the season, thanks to a sharp turnaround from Manning.

The sophomore quarterback struggled last week in a win over UTEP, including a stretch throwing 10 straight incompletions and finishing with 114 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 11-of-25 passing — though he did rush for two scores.

Fans praised Manning in a confidence-building performance, as he slung touchdown passes left and right on Saturday.

Following Texas’ win over UTEP and ahead of the matchup against Sam Houston, Manning acknowledged he was battling some mental hurdles that were preventing him from playing at his best — something he knew he had to overcome before taking the field Saturday.

“Probably mental, to be honest,” Manning told reporters on Monday when asked if his struggles were more mental or physical. “I think I just need to go out there and play my game. I know the type of athlete and the type of player I am. I just need to go cut it loose and have some fun.” 

Manning led the Longhorns to six touchdowns on seven scoring drives, never once having to punt while he was under center.

Texas now heads into a bye week before traveling to face Florida on the road Oct. 4.