Arch Manning's inconsistency isn't Texas's only problem but it's a big one

Arch Manning hasn't lived up to the preseason hype or expectations that were placed on his shoulders, but he isn't the only issue with Texas's offense.

The offensive line has been far from perfect and there have even been some questionable play calls by head coach Steve Sarkisian.

However, Manning's inconsistency on a game-to-game basis has made it pretty close to impossible for anyone to know what to expect from the Texas Longhorns once they step onto the field.

Through the first seven games of the year, Manning has averaged a 65.9 percent on-target rate for his pass attempts. However, that has come with really high highs, and even lower lows.

Arch Manning's inconsistent inaccuracy

When Manning struggled in the first game of the season as the Horns fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes, people were surprised but they found it excusable: it was his first start on the road against one of the best teams in the country.

The young quarterback completed just 56.7 percent of his pass attempts that day. Then, Manning bounced back when the Horns played San Jose State, completing 63.3 percent of his passes.

However, just one week later, as the Longhorns struggled against the unranked UTEP Miners, Manning completed an abysmal 44.4 percent of his pass attempts, throwing on target just 56.5 percent of the time.

Once again, Manning bounced back in the next game, throwing the ball accurately on 80 percent of his attempts and completing 85.7 percent of his passes against the Sam Houston Bearkats.

Then, almost like clock work, when Texas was upset by the Florida Gators, Manning completed just 55.2 percent of his passes and only threw an accurate pass on 53.8 percent of his attempts. When the Horns stormed into the Red River Rivalry and upset OU, he completed nearly 78 percent of his passes, while throwing accurately 83.3 percent of the game.

Last but certainly not least (kind of), when the Horns eked out a win over the Kentucky Wildcats last weekend, Manning completed 44.4 percent of his passes (just above his season low) and was only on target 58.3 percent of the time.

This back and forth isn't sustainable for any quarterback, much less any young offense, to sustain throughout a season when he is aiming to be one of the best in the country. No, not all of the blame can be placed on Manning but, man, some of it sure can be.