Texas QB Arch Manning's roller-coaster ride of a season ends with excellent Citrus Bowl showing

Manning still has room to grow as a passer,  but against Michigan, he flashed the arm talent that has scouts believing he could be a future No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. In the 41-27 Texas win, the QB completed 21-of-34 passes (61.8%) for 221 yards and two touchdowns. That included a pinpoint pass to wide receiver Kaliq Lockett on a 30-yard TD in the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing Texas drive, Manning used his legs to beat the Michigan defense. He made one small cut and burst into the open field for a 60-yard TD, giving Texas a 38-27 lead, which sealed the game.

Manning's scamper may have reminded some Longhorns fans of former speedy QB Vince Young. Interestingly, his first season as a full-time starter was similar to Manning's. 

Young became the full-time starter at Texas in 2004. That season, the former five-star recruit showed flashes but struggled, completing 148-of-250 passes (59.2%) for 1,849 yards, 12 TDs and 11 interceptions in 12 games. 

However, in his final game that season, he led the Longhorns to a 38-37 win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl. In a postgame interview, he said, "We'll be back."

That prediction came true. Young led the Longhorns to a 41-38 win over the USC Trojans in a classic national championship game at the Rose Bowl during the 2005 season. 

Perhaps history will repeat itself. Young's first season was a whirlwind, which helped him become a champion. Manning's season was even more chaotic, so surviving it should put him in a position to do the same.