AUSTIN, Texas — Texas won an SEC game it shouldn’t have Saturday night in Lexington. Those aren’t my words. Longhorn QB Arch Manning said as much Monday after the Wildcats more than doubled Texas’ yardage (395-179) in an overtime loss.
But, at least to All-American safety Michael Taaffe postgame, the vibes from the media weren’t positive enough.
“These questions seem a little bit negative, I’m not going to lie guys, to the offense,” Taaffe said postgame sitting next to Manning. “I’ll say this, it’s freaking hard to win in the SEC … We freaking won. Let’s put some smiles on our face. We won. The show goes on.”
You get it from one of Texas’ captains. Emotions are high after a game, and he’s protecting his friend.
Thing is, this wasn’t a one-off result.
Texas is averaging just 16.8 points per game against Power Four competition. The Longhorns rank No. 98 nationally in offensive EPA, 89th in points per drive and 114th in average drive distance (27.9 yards).
Find an offensive category and Texas struggles in it.
Thus, despite Taaffe’s stern messaging, the media questions kept coming. Here’s a sampling of a few queries head coach Steve Sarkisian fielded Monday at his weekly presser ahead of a road game against Mississippi State:
How much is the offensive line limiting Manning’s growth? Have you thought about giving up play-calling? What’s your message to the fan base that seems to be panicking after a win? What went into benching Quinn Ewers against Georgia last year and not sitting Manning after his struggles? Can Texas’ issues be fixed in season or do they have to come in the offseason?
Manning wasn’t spared either:
How much faith do you have in Sarkisian as a play-caller?Do you worry about losing your job?Are you still having fun?
Not…
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