In a performance that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Arch Manning, the heir to America's most famous football dynasty, suffered a nightmare debut as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
The highly anticipated season opener against the Colorado Buffaloes turned sour for the Longhorns, with Manning at the centre of a stunning 31-24 defeat. The young quarterback, whose every move is scrutinised, threw two critical interceptions that ultimately sealed his team's fate.
A Brutal Assessment
Post-match analysis was unforgiving. Manning's performance was labelled "a nightmare" by pundits, with his decision-making under intense pressure coming into question. The two interceptions, both thrown into heavy coverage, were cited as costly errors that a team of Texas's calibre cannot afford.
The loss throws a huge spanner in the works for Texas's national championship aspirations right from the first whistle of the season. All eyes were on Manning to step up and lead, but the weight of expectation appeared to crush the young signal-caller.
Ewers' Shadow Looms Large
The defeat inevitably raises questions about Head Coach Steve Sarkisian's decision to start Manning over the more experienced Quinn Ewers. Ewers, who had been the established starter, now seems a likely candidate to reclaim his position under centre as Texas looks to salvage its season.
For Manning, this brutal introduction to life as a starting QB in the NCAA will be a harsh but vital learning experience. The football world will now watch closely to see how he responds to this very public setback and whether he can bounce back from this crushing disappointment.
