This was a tantalizing glimpse. An attractive peek. A temporary window into the long run.
Odds are, we’ll get an extended look the subsequent few weeks, as Quinn Ewers recovers from the abdominal strain he suffered in the primary quarter against UTSA.
But as first impressions go, Arch Manning was a smashing hit. His first throw was a 19-yard touchdown pass. The primary time he took off, he hit pay dirt 67 yards later, a run his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli, were incapable of even at their athletic best. He produced five total touchdowns and 276 yards.
There have been questions on Manning. If he was worthy of the hype. Deserving of his lofty No. 1 highschool rating. And, yes, it was a made-to-order cupcake. Manning would’ve likely played within the second half even when Ewers didn’t get hurt.
But take into consideration this: In the primary meaningful college snaps of his profession, he greater than met the moment. He surpassed it.
Manning clearly has the sport to match his famous last name. He has a giant arm like Eli and Peyton and the flexibility to maneuver they lacked. The rumor all the time had it that his father, Cooper, was a greater athlete than his brothers, a receiver who landed a scholarship to Ole Miss. But he never played there after he was found to have spinal stenosis, ending his profession early.
Predictably, the reactions were well excessive. Social media was abuzz with that long touchdown run that immediately went viral. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum predicted he would win the Heisman, which Eli and Peyton never did, either this season or more likely next season. NFL fans, specifically Giants supporters, were already posting on X about tanking next yr to land him.
Expect it to accentuate. Some will even suggest he should keep the job if he plays well. But don’t expect a Wally Pipp situation. Ewers led Texas to the College Football Playoff last yr and is in play to be the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft.
Up next is one other patsy, UL Monroe, Manning should have the opportunity to get fat on. Then it gets way more interesting. The SEC opener against Mississippi State, followed by the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on Oct. 12 and No. 1 Georgia visits Austin Oct. 19. It’s uncertain how long Ewers will probably be out. Abdominal strains can take several weeks.
Within the immediate future, Texas is Manning’s team. He showed on Saturday he’s as much as the duty.
Kent’ coach that way
Kentucky played a whale of a game. Its defense held Georgia to 262 yards of offense. The Wildcats ran for 170 yards on the Bulldogs defense filled with NFL prospects. It stood toe-to-toe with the top-ranked team within the country.
It’s a shame for the Wildcats that their coach, Mark Stoops, adopted the old Herm Edwards coaching to not lose playbook. With a probability to tug off a shocking upset, just per week after an unsightly no-show 25-point home loss to South Carolina, Stoops coached scared. He coached conservatively. And, naturally, he lost, 13-12.
Late in the primary half, Kentucky had a primary down on the Georgia 14-yard-line with nine seconds left. Good enough time to take a shot at the tip zone. Stoops opted for a field goal. On the Wildcats’ first possession after halftime, they drove all the way down to the Georgia 22. Fourth-and-two, and Stoops again calls for the sphere goal.
Then, the coup de gras. Down one, only 2:57 left. Fourth-and-8 on the Georgia 47. What does Stoops do? He punts. Kentucky would get the ball back with just nine seconds to go. His players deserved higher.
Group think
The battle for the Group of Five spot within the playoff is shaping as much as be pretty interesting. Three teams to regulate: UNLV of the Mountain West, and Northern Illinois and Toledo of the MAC. UNLV upset Kansas while Toledo crushed Mississippi State on Saturday. Each teams are 3-0 after the road victories. Up next for UNLV is surprising Syracuse at home. Northern Illinois, meanwhile, had a bye after its shocking win at Notre Dame. It hosts Toledo on Oct. 19. Considered one of these schools may very well be the primary Cinderella within the 12-team playoff.
