Texas Blames All For Offense Struggles Ahead Of Ole Miss Clash

Three months ago at SEC Media Days, Steve Sarkisian likely did not picture himself in this position. He was focused on pushing Texas past the College Football Playoff semifinals. Now, everything hinges on a single game against Ole Miss amid growing worries about Arch Manning's offensive struggles. That shift happened fast.

Sarkisian once told reporters that Arch is very comfortable with who he is and isn't trying to be someone else. But look at the team now. They face a must-win scenario in Austin because their offense has few answers other than letting Arch try hard. There is talk about whether Manning has adopted an "edgy" mindset out of necessity or if Sarkisian tamed him early on. Either way, the coach sees something different this week as criticism mounts from everywhere, including ESPN.

"I don't know if we lost him," Sarkisian said recently. "We created this. We did. All of us. Y'all included. Me. The whole thing, right." He blamed everyone involved for the current situation and promised to see what comes out of it. A loss at DKR Stadium would almost surely ruin a season where Texas spent over $40 million chasing a national title.

The mood in Austin has changed dramatically in just three weeks. Back-to-back losses against unranked teams, including a messy defeat by Florida, forced staff inside the facility to move with urgency. Outside observers wonder if Manning and Sarkisian can finally deliver. The fourth-quarter win over Ohio State still matters for future rankings, yet offensive numbers have been poor lately. Pressure has reached a fever pitch among fans.

What does the quarterback do when expectations are so high? Arch said this week that he is just letting it rip now that their backs are against the wall. "No place I'd rather be," he stated firmly. The plan is simple: stop overthinking and start doing. That approach suits a team full of talent, even if execution lags.

Sarkisian also made an argument comparing Manning to Joe Smith, but that comparison falls apart for an average quarterback. The issue isn't just the player at the pocket; the scheme feels bland compared to its potential in the playbook. Sarkisian admitted on Monday that Arch can play better for them. With so much money and talent invested, one game could decide if this program survives or fades into history.

Arch Manning is the starting quarterback at Texas, yet his coach demands more from him and many others on the offensive side right now. The Longhorns need a better version of Arch for the upcoming week. But consider this: what if Manning is simply an average quarterback with a surname that carries immense weight in football history? There is nothing wrong with that reality. The debate surrounding his talent level is natural given how much hype surrounds him. Ultimately, the only metric that matters is performance seen on a weekly basis at Texas.

Former NFL star Ryan Leaf weighed in during an appearance on the Craig Carton show this week. He offered a direct assessment of Arch's progress and whether he should return for another year of college ball. "I think Texas is a great spot for him because the talent is so rich and they're going to have a great football team," Leaf said. However, he noted that Manning is an average quarterback by his own standards, especially when surrounded by such gifted teammates on offense. That does not make him bad.

The question remains whether Manning has the DNA to become better over time. Of course, he possesses that potential. It would be a grave error for any team to draft him high if another year allows him to improve. If improvement is possible, then returning makes sense. This test defines the current Sarkisian-Manning era at Texas. A showdown with Ole Miss will determine whether fans still view the Longhorns as legitimate contenders for the college football playoff once rankings drop in a few weeks. They face a Pete Golding defense aiming to reach the postseason while supporting an offense that appears organized behind Trinidad Chambliss.

Chaos has finally hit Michigan, replacing Bryce Underwood in the starting role. The marriage between the program and its quarterback seems destined for divorce. Parity has disrupted a sport filled with rosters worth $35 to $45 million. Sometimes situations simply do not work out. People in Ann Arbor are likely wondering why they bench a quarterback signed from high school under a multi-million dollar contract. Bryce Underwood was not performing, so the Wolverines turned to freshman Tommy Carr for their matchup against No. 6 Indiana. That game could trap Indiana after their narrow loss to Ohio State.

Is an upset brewing in Michigan? Based on what we have seen this season, nothing is impossible. There might come a time when the coaching staff must return the ball to Underwood if the experiment with Carr fails to deliver results as hoped. Either way, the expensive partnership between Michigan and Bryce Underwood feels like it is ending in Ann Arbor. A contract clause permits the Wolverines to part ways following the 2026 season without financial penalty. This gamble involves betting on a high school prospect showing potential while lacking proof of collegiate success.

It looks as if two worlds are colliding between Texas and Michigan regarding quarterbacks. Both programs promise much and spend heavily to compete for titles. Yet both are living through different kinds of chaos this season. College football in 2026 is defined by these realities.