On Saturday, news broke out among the internet two playmakers took over Steve Sarkisian's Texas scrimmage. Redshirt sophomore Arch Manning and sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo were unstoppable, per Inside Texas.
Charlie Williams reported "by his count" Manning-Wingo accounted for three touchdowns. This is big-time news out of Austin, Tex., because the consensus for the better part of two weeks was the Texas Longhorns defense has been the unit dominating.
Orangebloods' Jason Suchomel was also in attendance at the scrimmage. He had some thoughts on Manning's play.
"Arch did make some plays with his legs where he scrambled and got the edge to move the chains. Did a good job of getting out of harms way and getting out of bounds. One person said he thought Manning was 'just a little bit off on some throws' but also added that the defense was putting a lot of heat on him."
Arch Manning to Ryan Wingo for a 75 Yard Touchdown
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 15, 2024
pic.twitter.com/c88C0nfK1D
Ohio State will have a mostly new-look defense, but the strength is still on the back end. Davidson Igbinosun, Caleb Downs, and Sonny Styles are all back and will be chomping at the bit to bait Manning into some mistakes.
If Wingo can create separation and make the Buckeyes pay deep, Texas will be able to soften the Ohio State front seven by mixing in the run with Tre Wisner, Jerrick Gibson, and CJ Baxter. Sarkisian and Texas ran the football extremely well a year ago. But, if the Texas offensive line can't mesh quickly with four new starters, Manning and Wingo might be asked to do a little more.
Another big piece of the offense is Manning's running ability. Like the run game, if he can keep Ohio State's linebackers on their heels, he can work new transfer tight end Jack Endries in the intermediate game and take some shots deep.
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