Steve Sarkisian thinks he knows what gets Texas Longhorns' quarterback Arch Manning to play his best

Arch Manning played loose and looked like he was having fun Saturday.

"I always remind him sometimes I think he's got a little more of his grandpa in him than maybe his uncles at times, you know, because that style of play for him is his style," Sarkisian said. "You know, he doesn't have to try to be somebody else. And we try to play to his strengths today and utilize his legs in a little red, took our shots down the field, he got the ball out of his hands."

Manning went a little viral Saturday after scoring a rushing touchdown and standing over a Sam Houston defender. There was a decent amount of chirping going on during the game and like Sarkisian said, Manning was probably letting a little bit of frustration out after the slow start to the 2025 season.

Regardless of how he got there and why he did it, the Texas coaching staff has to be pleased with how Manning performed ahead of the bye week and the start of SEC play.

Like everyone else in his family, Arch Manning is methodical in his approach.

"All in all, it was, it was a good game for him. But to me it was a good week for him. You know, the build up to the game was reminiscent of the way he practiced," Sarkisian said. "And so that's the goal, right? When you practice really well, taking practice to the game and you have some success."

After three lackluster weeks, you just know Arch was itching to get back out there and prove to all the doubters and himself he can be the quarterback for the University of Texas. The competition wasn't elite but this was a major step forward as the Florida Gators are looming in two weeks.

Now, you get an entire off week to prepare and continue to practice the way you intend to play. This style of Arch Manning is the one you are excited to see if you're a Longhorns fan. If Arch can be lethal downfield while also being a plus one runner, this team has a very, very high ceiling.

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