Texas AD defends Longhorns as pressure mounts on Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian: 'Rome is not burning' — SkimNews
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- Texas fell to 4-2 with consecutive losses to unranked Oklahoma and Florida, threatening its College Football Playoff chances despite a top-tier roster.
- Arch Manning has thrown five interceptions in six starts this season, including two in the loss to Florida, as criticism grows over his performance and Sarkisian's play-calling.
- Steve Sarkisian pledged to evaluate himself as play-caller and Manning as QB after Texas managed only 50 offensive plays against Florida, its fewest under his tenure.
- Chris Del Conte called the Longhorns' program 'phenomenal' and insisted 'Rome is not burning,' pushing back against external criticism of Sarkisian and Manning.
- KJ Lacey Jr. has taken more first-team reps in practice over the past two weeks, but Sarkisian confirmed Manning will start against No. 7 Ole Miss.
- Colin Simmons, Texas’ top defensive player and FBS sack leader, is expected to miss the Ole Miss game due to an ankle injury.
Why it matters: Texas’ playoff path narrows with a depleted defense and stagnant offense, while Sarkisian’s authority and Manning’s draft stock face real-time stress tests—both now hinge on immediate wins, not long-term promise. The AD’s public backing raises the stakes of failure.
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