Even though Arch Manning showed some flashes against Vanderbilt, it’s time for someone to step up around him. Manning completed 25 of 33 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns in that game. But he cannot afford to play hero ball all the damn time when his receivers haven’t yet given him the sort of boost a QB needs, especially when Georgia’s defense is looming next week.

It was easy to get caught up in his highlight reel after that electric 328-yard, three-touchdown performance against Vanderbilt. But is it really? In the recent episode of Nightcap, Chad Johnson said, “They gonna be on you yet. You know what? They going to put pressure.” That pressure is from Georgia’s nasty defense coming all in straight for him. The Bulldogs concede just 3.3 rushing yards per game to opposing teams, ranking 17th.

Likewise, the Bulldogs rank No. 21 in total defense, allowing an average of 309.4 yards per game. Still, there’s a persistent feeling that his supporting cast hasn’t lived up to the hype. He added, “The outside receivers haven’t stood out enough for me to make a difference in the game.” Well, that’s a risky situation for a team chasing the playoffs.

You’ll see what Texas lacks when you look across the field. “Ain’t no Ja’Marr Chase. There’s no Justin Jefferson. There’s no CeeDee Lamb,” Chad continued. That shows the gap between elite playmakers and what Arch has had to work with. In the game against Vanderbilt, Manning struggled to hit receivers, and when he did, they’d often drop passes. But he had to step down for most of the part because of an injury. “Nobody for them has come out to me that can just take a game over,” Chad said.

That sort of weapon makes all the difference in the SEC. Every drive and throw seems like a grind of patience and accuracy because there isn’t a real No. 1 wideout.

But the spotlight never leaves him, even if the criticism turns to his teammates. Chad stated, “Everything has been Arch Manning has to do this, Arch Manning has to do that, he has to play better.” And it’s true that “what’s surrounding him hasn’t been up to par as well,” but it doesn’t make the situation any easier. Georgia’s defense will target No. 16 as if he were the only player on the roster, irrespective of who is receiving passes. Maybe this is the reality of being a Manning: the spotlight never fades, even when the stage feels unfair.

Arch Manning carries Texas’ season on his shoulders

The problem is that hope is no longer the only factor. “We’ve seen Arch Manning look… yeah, we’re going to have to come back out here again next week and say the exact same thing if they’re gonna have a chance. Only chance. You know, they’re not gonna go out and rush the ball versus Georgia,” said Shannon Sharpe and Johnny Manziel. That’s the harsh truth nobody in Austin wants to hear. Pounding the rock won’t help Texas win this game. And that’s what makes this clash feel so emotionally loaded.

Since the day he arrived at school, Arch has been burdened with expectations of name, the hype, the Heisman talk, but every snap against Georgia will put his patience and trust to the test. A quarterback can only do so much when his line is leaking pressure and his receivers aren’t creating separation.

There isn’t a player that can quickly flip the game like Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson, or CeeDee Lamb. Even though it’s been Arch against the world, he manages to make this squad seem like they should be on the same field as Georgia. But everything will change if Arch Manning can pull this off, stand tall, and make those tough passes while the Bulldogs are breathing down his neck.

After the Vanderbilt game, analyst Sean McDonough came up with the Heisman hype back, saying, “Arch Manning was the preseason [Heisman] favorite … he’s fallen completely off the board. He’s on target again and might be reigniting his candidacy with this performance!” But whatever happens, we’ll find out this weekend in Athens, where Arch Manning falls on the thin line between heartbreak and redemption.