No singular player in college football has received more hype than Arch Manning. Maybe not from Josh Pate, who believes the Texas quarterback will be a “pretty good” player but possibly not reach Heisman Trophy-level expectations. Plenty out there do though, waiting to see how Manning looks Week 1 against Ohio State. What happens if […]
No singular player in college football has received more hype than Arch Manning. Maybe not from Josh Pate, who believes the Texas quarterback will be a “pretty good” player but possibly not reach Heisman Trophy-level expectations. Plenty out there do though, waiting to see how Manning looks Week 1 against Ohio State.
What happens if Manning struggles at times this season? Pate went through what some of the narratives would be surrounding the first-year starter. Especially for those who are buying a ton of stock in Manning, wondering what their opinions will be in a few months
“Let’s say you’re right,” Pate said via Josh Pate’s College Football Show. “Let’s say he’s not one of the best quarterbacks in the country, kind of falls flat. Here’s what December will sound like — ‘Arch Manning was a bust.’ And my tendency when that happens, including on my own predictions, and say ‘Was the player a bust or was your prediction a bust?’
“Now, in this case, I’m just saying he’s going to be pretty good to really good. I’m not calling Heisman or anything, so I’m off the hook here. But a lot of folks are really preseason anointing him and if he doesn’t follow through on your expectations… what’s your take going to be? Was he a bust or was he just a player he was always going to be and maybe you let your expectations get out of whack?”
Manning is not one to bring expectations to himself — Pate pointed as such out. When facing the media on Tuesday, Manning was asked about the expectations of winning the Heisman Trophy. His answer is one we have heard all offseason.
The goal for him is to go out there and win football games. Manning appears to be all about proving himself on the field rather than getting caught up in conversation.
“I’m definitely honored that people think that (I’m a Heisman favorite),” Manning said via On3 | Rivals’ Inside Texas on X. “But I haven’t done anything yet. It’s about winning games at this point.”
As mentioned, a good indication of whether or not Manning lived up to the hype might come right away. Texas plays in a top Week 1 game against Ohio State, the reigning national champions. Plenty of talent will be on the other side of Manning. From there, a tough eight-game SEC schedule is in front of the Longhorns.
Category: General Sports
