Mark Ingram II points to Texas errors that added pressure on Arch Manning vs. Ohio State

Arch Manning made his first start as the full-time quarterback for Texas in one of the toughest environments in college football. The Longhorns traveled to Columbus to face Ohio State and left with a 14-7 loss that immediately placed the spotlight on Manning.

The sophomore quarterback threw for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a game where both defenses dominated. But former Alabama star and Heisman winner Mark Ingram II believes Manning’s struggles were not solely his fault. Speaking on The Triple Option podcast with Rob Stone and Urban Meyer, Ingram argued that Texas failed to elevate its young quarterback in his first true test.

Ingram pointed to costly mistakes, noting that the Longhorns committed penalties that erased points in a game decided by a single score.

“The one thing I would say is like yes, the job of a quarterback is to elevate those around him, but when you have a new quarterback coming into a hostile environment in week one, it’s your team’s job to elevate you and make your job as easy as possible,” Ingram said.

Ingram Calls Out Costly Texas Mistakes Against Ohio State

For Ingram, the difference in the game went beyond Manning’s decision-making. He noted that the Longhorns’ defense played well, but penalties undercut their effort. One defensive penalty extended a Buckeyes drive that ended in a touchdown. Another erased a safety that would have added two points to Texas’ total. Ingram added up those moments as nine potential points left behind in a seven-point loss.

The former running back contrasted Texas’ approach with Ohio State’s. He credited the Buckeyes for elevating Julian Sayin, their freshman starter, by avoiding mistakes and creating opportunities.