Week 7 was a week that you had to see to believe.No.14 Oklahoma (5-1), (1-1 SEC), took on No.21 Texas (4-2), (1-1 SEC)
in the 121st edition of the Red River Rivalry, and it ended up being one of the best games of the weekend. The Oklahoma defense was touted as a sound unit, with a talented defensive line. As the game went on, that storyline would shift ever so slightly. Texas would win 23-6, a win they desperately needed.
Here is Arch Manning’s report card from yesterday’s game.
Stat Line
Manning went 21/27, for 166 yards, and one touchdown. He also added four carries, for 34 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry.
Remarks: Although Texas won, I wasn’t impressed with the overall performance of the offense. To only put up 23 points is concerning. The best way to describe this performance from Manning is game manager.
Post performance review
My last piece broke down the things that Manning would need to do well to secure the victory. Those were- getting the ball to his receivers, making sound decisions with the ball, and using his legs to avoid unnecessary sacks and extend plays.
How did Manning do?
Getting the ball out: Going 21/27, with an attempt of 6.1 as an average shows this- he either threw a lot of screens, to his check down routes, or Steve Sarkisian went quick game. As far as quarterback development goes, it's a step in the right direction. In the SEC, young QBs have to learn and adapt very fast. The numbers have to be elevated significantly.
Decision making: There were zero interceptions thrown, and he's on the plus side of things. Manning did what he had to do in terms of ball protection.
Mobility: The numbers will always tell the story. He was only sacked once, the entire game. This tells me that Manning is more than capable of using his legs in an efficient manner to complement the run game.
Things I need to see moving forward
Quicker processing of information: He is a bright young man. He just has to dial it in a little more- almost tunnel vision-like. This will help Manning make faster decisions and get the offense out of slumps.
Keep the main thing, the main thing: What I've been seeing is what I like to call guesswork. Manning needs to trust his preparation more- the film room, and reps in practice against base looks and special packages. Everyone always says practice how you play, I firmly believe that it's play how you practice. Don't make it complicated for yourself.
Game Grade: B-
Final thoughts
The defense, and special teams held up their end of the bargain, it's time for the offense to show up. Putting up 23 points moving forward will lose you a lot of games. There's a solution, the staff and team has to believe in it. Everything that I've mentioned here will fix the issue from the quarterback and pass game point of view.