Even though the Longhorns earned the win over the Kentucky Wildcats, people across the country (whether they're fan of the Horns or not) are starting to question whether or not Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian should still be calling his offense's plays.
Amid a torrent of questions regarding Sarkisian handing over the play-calling role, he was adamant that it was not a responsibility he was ready to surrender.
"That's why I got hired. I was a really good offensive coordinator. I believe in what we're able to do." Sarkisian said. "I'm always going to tap into the strengths that I have and I think being a play-caller on offense is one of my strengths. Some may disagree. That's okay."
The biggest reason people are questioning him? Well, the Horns were only able to eke out 179 total yards of offense against a Kentucky team that had allowed more than 300 yards by every other opponent this season.
Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian continue to back each other
Now, it should be no surprise that Sarkisian has had starting quarterback Arch Manning's back throughout the season, doing exactly what he did for former QB1 Quinn Ewers as people questioned his role on the offense.
However, it hardly ever happened in the other direction, Ewers never having to field questions about Sarkisian's play-calling abilities. Yet, Manning is having to do just that.
Manning was also asked if he thought Sarkisian was the right guy to call Texas's offensive plays, even though the program has (technical) offensive coordinator in Kyle Flood.
"I have the utmost faith in him," Manning said. "That’s the reason why I came here, just how smart he is with calling plays. I have the most confidence in him and we're just gonna keep going from here."
No, not all of the blame can be placed on Sarkisian's play-calling decisions. It can't even all be placed on Manning's inaccuracies and inconsistencies throughout the season. However, when the local and national media start to question whether or not someone who had been considered as one of the greatest play callers in college football, it does make people hesitate on their answer.
This week, the Longhorns face the unranked Mississippi State Bulldogs, who are currently 0-3 against SEC opponents. While it shouldn't be the biggest test for Manning in-game performance or Sarkisian's play-calling abilities, they have already been upset on the road by a conference opponent.
No. 22 Texas (5-2, 2-1 SEC) and Mississippi State (4-3, 0-3 SEC) are scheduled to kick off at 3:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 25, and the game will be aired on the SEC Network.