Arch Manning, Texas face crisis vs Ole Miss — SkimNews
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- Arch Manning has thrown five interceptions in six starts this season, including a pick-six against Oklahoma and a late fumble in the loss to Florida, prompting coach Sarkisian to evaluate his role despite naming him the starter for Ole Miss.
- Steve Sarkisian stated he needs to see a 'better version' of Arch Manning and the Texas offense, with backup KJ Lacey taking more first-team reps, fueling speculation about a potential quarterback change.
- Texas (4-2, 1-2 SEC) risks becoming the first team since 1965 to lose three straight after starting a season ranked No. 1, as it tries to avoid collapse following a 17-point performance against Florida's last-ranked SEC defense.
- Colin Simmons, the FBS sacks leader with 10.5, is out 3–4 weeks with a high ankle sprain, leaving Texas without its top pass rusher ahead of facing Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who has thrown a TD in 19 straight games.
- Ole Miss (5-1, 3-1) has won two straight by a combined 63 points, including a 28-point victory over ranked Missouri, and now aims to exploit Texas’ offensive line, which ranks 111th in sacks allowed.
- Kewan Lacy, a Dallas native who was never offered by Texas, ran for 122 yards against Missouri and returns to face the Longhorns with 29 career rushing touchdowns, the most in the SEC since 2025.
Why it matters: Texas’ playoff hopes hinge on stabilizing its offense and replacing Simmons’ pass rush against an Ole Miss team that has dominated recently and thrives in the red zone. A loss would mark a steep fall from the No. 1 ranking and likely end national title contention.
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