We are two weeks into the season, and Arch Manning has taken visible steps forward. Yes, it came against San Jose State, but that defense gave him problems early on. Manning responded with poise, finishing with 295 passing yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and a rushing score in Texas’ dominant 38–7 win. The stat line was solid, but the bigger takeaway was his confidence — a key piece in his development.
Now comes week 3 against UTEP, and though the Miners aren’t a powerhouse, their defense provides a real checkpoint. They enter the game with 10 sacks, showing a unit determined to create consistent pressure each week. For Manning, this matchup is about proving he can stay composed, process quickly, and lead sustained drives when things get uncomfortable.
Facing UTEP’s Pressure
UTEP thrives on exotic looks and relentless pursuit. That will test Manning’s pocket presence, processing speed, and ball security. Texas’s offensive line has been inconsistent, allowing pressure in both games. Manning will need quick reads and intelligent decisions to keep the offense on schedule.
The good news? Against San Jose State, he showed improvement in moving beyond his first read and extending plays with his legs. Carrying that growth into week 3 means turning UTEP’s aggressiveness into opportunities.
Week 3 Checklist
Handle pressure without panic: Trust the line when possible, but if the pocket collapses, use his legs to escape instead of forcing throws.
Sustain drives: Lead with composure, minimize negative plays, and keep his teammates locked in with clear communication.
Attack vertically: There are too many downfield throw opportunities being left on the table. Taking those shots will open up the offense.
Finish red-zone drives: Field goals won’t cut it in the SEC. Manning and Sarkisian must turn red-zone trips into touchdowns. These next two games should be used to work that out.
Refine mechanics: His arm angle and hip rotation still need fine-tuning. Cleaning this up will help with velocity and accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Week 1 was a reality check and week 2 was a bounce-back game for Manning and the offense. Week 3 is about refinement and establishing an offensive identity. For Manning, this game serves as a proving ground for his growth as QB1 — and for Sarkisian, a chance to figure out what this offense can consistently execute.