What Texas coach Steve Sarkisian found out about QB Arch Manning in Florida loss

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian didn't hold back Monday on Arch Manning, his polarizing starting quarterback (h/t: On3.com).

"I found out he's a tough dude. He fought his [expletive] off Saturday [at Florida]," the coach said. "Those were not real ideal conditions for a quarterback to perform under. ... [B]ut he stood in there and he showed a lot of contact courage taking hits, delivering the ball. There were some really impressive throws in there."

The preseason No.1 team has been mostly disappointing and a Week 7 showdown Saturday against No. 6 Oklahoma (5-0, 1-0) looms. The Longhorns (3-2, 0-1) are unranked after the embarrassing 29-21 loss to the underwhelming Florida Gators. 

Texas' offensive line didn't protect Manning well against Florida, allowing six sacks, the most for the Gators this season. Led by tackle Brien Taylor Jr. and edge-rusher George Gumbs Jr., Florida had 35 QB pressures.

Texas' running game was poor, too. The Longhorns rushed for 53 yards, led by Manning's 37. If a team can't run effectively, defenses can simply scheme for the pass and pack the box.  

Against Florida, Manning went 16-for-29 for 263 yards and two TD passes and two interceptions. The 21-year-old quarterback held the ball too long at times, made questionable decisions with the ball and had poor pocket awareness. However, the five-star recruit showed flashes of the QB he could be.

"He throws a bad pass, he's the worst quarterback in the world, he throws a good pass, he's gonna win the Heisman," an SEC coordinator told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg about Manning. "Like, goodness gracious, just let the kid play for a little bit."

Manning has thrown for 1,151 yards and 11 TD passes this season. He has a 60% completion percentage and five interceptions. The Longhorns have issues in all facets, but the starting QB is the cornerstone of the program and must play better.