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Everyone said the same thing after Arch Manning’s rough first half vs. Ohio State
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Everyone said the same thing after Arch Manning’s rough first half vs. Ohio State

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao  |  Last updated Sep 12, 2026 10:40 PM ET
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Arch Manning did not have a first half to remember on Saturday against Ohio State. But fans don’t think it’s entirely his fault.

The Longhorns quarterback went just 7/14 for 60 yards through two quarters as the Buckeyes raced to a 20-3 lead at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Manning’s numbers could have been drastically better had some of his receivers made a few very makable plays that seemed to slip right off their fingertips.

Manning threw a pinpoint deep pass to Cam Coleman in the first five minutes of the game that would have at least gotten Texas to the 15-yard line. Instead, a potential touchdown turned into an interception as the ball squirted out of Coleman’s hands.

Manning experienced déjà vu in the second quarter when he hit Ryan Wingo in stride in what should have been a walk-in TD to cut into Ohio State’s lead. The Longhorns had to settle for a field goal for their only score of the first half.

Fan sentiment online was clear. Several observers felt Texas’ receivers let their QB down, with many stating that Manning should have had a pair of TDs instead of his lone interception.

Ohio State scored in four of its five drives in the first half to take a commanding three-score lead into the break. Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin went 12/16 for 192 yards and a TD through two quarters.

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