Texas Football quarterback Arch Manning had his first really good game of the year on Saturday in the Red River Rivalry. While not particularly explosive, it was efficient and effective. As we watch Manning grow up before our eyes, we’re seeing a QB that is learning to manage his mistakes and take care of the ball.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has been impressed by the maturation of the Longhorns QB. He sees a good football player that’s getting better with each play.
“You see a very, very good football player that’s getting better each and every game, more comfortable. A guy that will really just wow you with certain plays.” Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops
The Longhorns travel to Lexington this weekend to take on Stoops’ 2-3 Kentucky Wildcats at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday. Like most Longhorns fans, Stoops was especially impressed by the throw Manning made out of his own endzone in the second half.
“You watch this last game. I want to say it was a four point game, backed up. Oklahoma got great pressure on him. He evades the pressure and throws a strike. He did that time and time again. And on the first touchdown pass. In the pocket. Didn’t move. He had a good clean pocket and delivers a touchdown pass.” – Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops
It is that type of throw, one that only an elite pro-level arm can make, that has always had scouts salivating over Manning’s potential. Stoops can see it.
“He’s one of those guys that can make all the throws in rhythm and on time or buying time. He’s a good athlete and he throws really good on the run.” – Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops
A big topic this week has been how the national media has covered Manning. From building him up before the season, to tearing him down at the first sign of struggle. Stoops says it’s part of the game, but Manning is handling it well.
“I just think, it is what it is. I can’t speak for Arch, but he didn’t ask for any of that. Everything that I can see and hearing from him is just a young man with his head down trying to get better. I think a lot of that is unfair and it is what it is. He understands that. I don’t need to tell him anything that he hasn’t heard from his famous uncles and fathers and all that. But he’s just a young man getting better with every rep. And you can see the confidence in him. And why wouldn’t he be confident? He’s a very good football player.” – Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops
Manning and the rest of the Texas Longhorns hope to continue to build on the win over OU against Stoops and Kentucky Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Everything Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said about Texas QB Arch Manning ahead of Saturday
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
