In Texas’ win over Mississippi State in Week 9, the spotlight was back on Arch Manning, and this time, for a good reason. The QB delivered probably his best game of his career. Manning, unfortunately, wasn’t able to lead the offense during overtime. However, he still finished the game with 346 passing yards and three total touchdowns, leading his team to a fourth-quarter comeback in the 45-38 OT win. And he got his flowers for the same.

An unsuspecting Texas was outsmarted by the underdog Mississippi State in the second half. Entering the 4 quarter, Arch Manning and Co. were looking at a whopping 17-point deficit. And then, the embattled QB singlehandedly turned things around. He also got some help from Ryan Niblett’s punt return TD.  Even Chad Ochocinco Johnson and Shannon Sharpe agree. “He’s getting better and better. A little bit more consistent,” Ocho said in an October 26 episode of Nightcap. But Sharpe sounded a warning.

“Arch got a big victory, but they’re not out of the woods yet,” he said. Manning completed 29-of-46 of his passes. As the run game took a backseat (once again), the QB took charge of the passing attack. He was picked once and was even sacked 5 times, but Manning soldiered on. He performed when the Texas defense needed it the most. But with an offense that is still on the mend, the road ahead gets tough.

Texas got past Mississippi State with some face to save. But the next two games will take a serious toll on the group. Vanderbilt visits them next and will be a force to be reckoned with. Then, the Longhorns travel to Athens, which will also be a tough matchup. Texas gets a bye between both clashes, allowing them some time to recoup. But the way these two defenses perform against Texas is what will define the turnouts. Vanderbilt’s defense seemed alive for only the second time this season against Missouri. Georgia’s defense, despite being stocked up, seems to be just okay. Texas will be the underdog against both teams.

The challenge is for Texas to make up for the disappointing offensive showcase. The O-line still continues to be a problem, which ended up giving up 5 sacks. The run game was absent.

“He wasn’t able to do it through the air, right? Throwing interceptions, balls sailing out of bounds, throwing underthrowing people, overthrowing people,” Ocho said, listing Manning’s problems. “And what I saw today? Calm, relaxed, in the pocket when needed, extending plays, making throws. Which is why his numbers look the way they did today. It looked promising,” he added. Manning still has a long way to go in overcoming the gauntlet of his issues. But he sure is putting in the work.

This MSU outing gives fans hope that Arch Manning can still show up and deliver. His issues don’t get much room to clear up, since the Texas offense as a whole has performed below par. But had the QB been out of the equation for this game, there would have been very little hope of Texas making it past the Bulldogs. However, the job’s not done yet. The most serious part of the schedule still awaits them. And unfortunately for the Longhorns, it is this last leg that will define their playoff hopes.

Texas’ remaining stretch has to be won to contend for a playoff bid

The only way Texas can make it to the playoffs is by getting an at-large bid. That can only happen if Texas maintains a clean slate from now on, since they already have 2 losses. That’s how they become eligible for the CFP committee, at least sparing them a glance.

Texas also has to wrap up its schedule with Arkansas and in-state rivals Texas A&M. It’s not going to be easy, since A&M is now the better squad when compared to the Longhorns. The Aggies are practically confirmed for a playoff spot. These two games, paired with the Vanderbilt and Georgia ones, have to be 4-0 for Texas to make the playoffs.

Also, it won’t be just the wins that matter. Texas has to show that it is deserving of the spot. “They’ve got to start playing like a CFP team,” ESPN‘s Heather Dinich said, still hopeful of Texas making it through. But change has to come, now. “You can’t just almost beat Kentucky in overtime and expect to edge out another two-loss team that played better down the stretch and has a stronger resume,” she added. The Longhorns don’t have much time to make that impression. They need Arch Manning to keep up with this production and for the rest of the team to follow suit.