Texas HC Steve Sarkisian has 'never felt better about' QB Arch Manning heading into season-defining stretch

Steve Sarkisian makes bold Arch Manning statement

"I've never felt better about Arch Manning than I do this week," Sarkisian told the media Monday. "Like, this guy's ready. He's a warrior, he's tough, his competitive spirit is extremely high. I thought he willed us to play football on the offensive side last week. And that's what a quarterback does. What a difference a few weeks make."

Sarkisian acknowledged that the offense has several areas to improve, especially the offensive line. The Longhorns have allowed 24 sacks (No. 3 in the SEC). That said, if the rest of the unit follows Manning's example, it may finally turn the corner during a season-defining stretch. 

Texas entering difficult portion of schedule 

Three of the Longhorns' next four games are on the road, including clashes against the No. 19 Missouri Tigers (6-2) and No. 15 LSU Tigers (6-2) in Weeks 10 and 11. Both matchups have huge College Football Playoff implications for Texas. 

If Texas beats Missouri, LSU and the Texas A&M Aggies (4-4) in its final three road games, ESPN's predictor gives it more than a 99 percent chance to reach the CFP, even if it misses the SEC Championship Game. If the Longhorns lose two of these matchups, their chances will plummet to three percent. It should be zero. No team with four losses has ever made the CFP.

With that in mind, Texas can't afford to slip against Missouri, led by star QB Austin Simmons (16 TD passes, tied for No. 4 in SEC). If Manning and the Longhorns outpace the Tigers' high-powered passing attack on Saturday (ESPN, noon ET), Sarkisian will praise the junior QB even more.