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Paul Finebaum makes lofty comparison of Arch Manning to Tim Tebow and we need to pump the brakes
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Florida Gators arguably have the greatest player in the history of the SEC in Tim Tebow after he brought a Heisman Trophy, third and fifth-place finishes for the same award, an All-American, and two National Championships to Gainesville. Any comparison to Tebow is a lofty one, and that's exactly what ESPN's Paul Finebaum did with Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.

"I think there's a reasonably good chance that Arch Manning will be sitting on the front row at the Heisman ceremony. That's assuming that his team does what it's supposed to do and compete for not only the SEC, but for the national championship. And I really believe they will. I think Steve Sarkisian, who's one of the most amazing play callers I've ever seen, made a critical mistake late in the year. He was way too loyal to Quinn Ewers who was banged up and was really ineffective. Had arch Manning instituted in the second half of that game (against Ohio State in the semifinals), like Nick Sabin did a couple of years ago with Tua Tagovailoa, I think there's a reasonably good chance that Texas beats Ohio State, and wins the national championship. We're very capable of doing it again this year I believe also that Arch Manning is the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow, entered the scene in 2006."

Arch Manning gets Tim Tebow comparison

I think we need to pump the brakes on Manning right now.

So far, we have seen a handful of snaps from Manning, and the majority of them have come against weaker competition. He also isn't similar to Tebow, as the latter came into Florida and made an immediate impact in short yardage situations. Without Tebow's play, the Gators don't beat bitter rival Tennessee Volunteers and win a National Championship. 

What has Arch done so far for Texas over two years? You can count the impact plays on one hand. It's not to say that Manning won't be great in time, but he's far from this certain thing.

Tebow was 34-7 as a starting quarterback for the Gators, along with throwing 88 touchdowns and rushing for a then SEC record 57. Asking Manning to get to that level is a massive ask, and unfair projections on a player who hasn't played.

There is certainly a world where he gets there, but it's currently getting out of hand.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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