3 biggest disappointments for Texas in non-conference play

Interceptions

Manning got the job done during the first start of his collegiate career last weekend in the 48-point blowout win over ULM at DKR for the Longhorns. He worked through a couple of first-half turnovers to throw for over 250 yards and two passing touchdowns while leading the Texas offense to five scoring drives in the game's first three quarters.

Despite this being his first career start in college, Manning showed poise and the ability to have a short memory when he needs to. He overcame an early interception on the game's first drive against ULM to get the Texas offense operating at a high level around the halfway point of the first quarter.

"One thing that he did really well Saturday. A year ago after that pick, that might have taken a minute for him to rebound from. I thought he responded really well mentally"

- Steve Sarkisian on Arch Manning

Manning did have another interception later in the game last weekend against ULM, but I don't put that all on him. Junior running back Jaydon Blue probably should've caught that pass Manning threw to him in the second quarter against ULM. Manning gave him a catchable pass, but it took an unfortunate bounce off of Blue and went straight to a ULM defender for the interception.

"I thought his poise and composure was really good Saturday. Even after the pick at the end of the first half, to come back in the second half and play the way he did in the third quarter I thought was impressive for me from a maturity standpoint of how far that he’s grown."

- Steve Sarkisian on Arch Manning

That second pick didn't rattle Manning either. After the second interception, Manning didn't have any turnover-worthy plays for the rest of the game, and still led the Longhorns on a couple more scoring drives to really salt things away before halftime.

Interceptions have been an unfortunate occurrence for the Longhorns in every single home game during non-conference play. Ewers had one pick each against UTSA and Colorado State in the opener on Aug. 31.

Texas must reduce the interceptions, especially on their own home field at DKR, as they enter SEC play as one of just four teams in the conference averaging at least one interception thrown per game.

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