Sarkisian Tells Manning to Block Out Noise and Play His Game
The short version
- Sarkisian told Manning at Monday's news conference to ignore critics and 'be you.'
- Manning threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-32 passing against UTSA.
- Texas beat then-No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 12 behind Manning.
- No. 1 Texas plays at No. 14 Tennessee, Saturday, 11 a.m., ABC, Knoxville.
The Texas head coach urged his quarterback to ignore criticism and stay true to himself ahead of Saturday's road game at No. 14 Tennessee.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that he told quarterback Arch Manning to disregard outside criticism during an earlier conversation at practice. His message, delivered at his weekly news conference, was blunt: playing that position for the Longhorns brings constant noise, and the answer is to tune it out and concentrate on the team and winning.
Sarkisian noted that criticism comes with the territory for both quarterback and coach in Austin. His direct advice to Manning was simply to go play and be himself, because trying to be someone else never works.
Manning, a fourth-year senior, has faced a difficult stretch since leading Texas past then-No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 12. He drew social media backlash over comments about an AI-generated video depicting Sarkisian slapping sideline reporter Holly Rowe, then had a quiet outing against UTSA, completing 16 of 32 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
The coach also said he wants Manning to be himself rather than any of his famous relatives or past Longhorns greats, adding that Manning is good enough to keep Texas in position to win. Manning told reporters it helps to have a coach who played the position.
No. 1 Texas visits No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Knoxville, with coverage on ABC. Manning said the road trip brings an us-against-the-world mentality.
