Matchup against Arkansas will be telling for Texas QB Arch Manning

It's been difficult to get a read on Texas starting quarterback Arch Manning this season.

In wins over Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, Manning looked every bit the star he was hyped up to be, leading the Longhorns to three huge Southeastern Conference victories.

But against the likes of Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio State and even UTEP, Manning looked every bit like a sophomore in his first year as a starter.

While Texas, who is ranked No. 17 in the latest AP poll, has its sights set on a huge matchup with No. 3 Texas A&M on Nov. 28, Saturday's matchup with 2-8 Arkansas might be the most important game of Manning's young career so far.

The lowly Razorbacks (2-8, 0-6 SEC) are not the force this year that they were in the 1960s and 1970s, when the Hogs and 'Horns would routinely meet in games that had championship implications. The Razorbacks and interim head coach Bobby Petrino are desperate to earn just one conference win before shopping for a new head coach in the offseason. 

Manning and Texas, however, still have plenty to play for. And as Manning tries to prove his worth as a starting quarterback, Saturday's game is the perfect opportunity for him to shine. 

Arkansas defense provides get right opportunity for Arch Manning

Taylen Green and the Arkansas offense will likely come out with their guns blazing in Austin on Saturday. It would not be surprising at all if the Arkansas offense is able to take the contest down to the wire. 

But Arkansas' defense has struggled so badly this season — especially in SEC play — that Manning has an excellent opportunity to get his confidence back after a rough outing against Georgia. 

Arkansas' scoring defense is last of 16 teams in the SEC and 123rd of 136 in the country. The Razorbacks are 108th in the country in passing defense at 245.3 yards per game. That's a number just above Manning's average of 237.4 yards per game. In SEC play, Arkansas' pass defense has been slightly worse, giving up 251.2 yards per game. 

Whichever way you slice it, Manning has a golden opportunity for a get-right game against an old Southwest Conference Rival. Getting his confidence back will be key ahead the biggest game of his collegiate career against Texas A&M in the regular season finale. 

If Manning struggles against a maligned Arkansas defense — or worse, loses the game — everyone in Austin will be hitting the panic button as hard as humanly possible.