Accountability is the main theme for Texas as it is dealing with a 3-2 record while coming off as the preseason favorites. Steve Sarkisian’s offense walked into The Swamp and were unable to execute a successful game plan. Four weeks into their season, this specific unit was still trying to find its footing and failed to protect Arch Manning, allowing the Gators to sack him six times.

Manning fought hard. He was the team’s leading rusher as he scrambled for some desperate first downs. However, the Gators could pressure him frequently, leading to mistakes. This led to some urgency on fixing some essential gaps ahead of the Red River Rivalry with Oklahoma. “On the OL woes, Sarkisian says they practiced well this week and they have a good plan for Oklahoma,” Longhorns’ official X account posted. “Says all signs point to them being in a better space this week than they were last week.”

Texas fans had hoped a 55-0 rout of Sam Houston would be the momentum shift this offense needed. But against Florida, the offensive line was exposed. After Manning was harassed all afternoon, the pressure forced two brutal fourth-quarter interceptions as Texas tried to get back into the game. The offensive production was downright stagnant, putting up just 87 total yards by halftime. To make matters worse, the run game, which helped power the Sam Houston blowout, fell flat at just 52 yards.

Quintrevion Wisner went for a paltry 11 yards on nine carries, offering no relief. In the first half, the Longhorns could only manage to get one touchdown out of five drives. That 38-yard touchdown toss from Manning to Ryan Wingo in the third quarter was one of the few bright spots in that ugly loss. That play momentarily cut down a bit of the Florida lead as the score turned to 22-14. But turnovers in the last quarter killed any hope for redemption.

Texas went into Gainesville ranked 104th nationally on third downs, 99th in red zone conversions, and an abysmal 127th in penalty yards per game. The Longhorns were penalized ten times for 70 yards. Against Oklahoma, the need for a bounce-back is urgent. Arch Manning is not Cam Newton. He still tried his best as he rushed for 37 yards on 15 carries.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma is cruising with a smooth 5-0 record this season. The Sooners’ rank near the top nationally in defensive categories, allowing only about 193 total yards per game. They are also the only team to give up less than a thousand yards across five games. All of this makes them one of the toughest units Texas will face this year.

But with all this incoming, Sarkisian showcases a unique blend of optimism. “I think we’ve got a good plan. think they understand that plan. They’re playing fast, they’re playing confident, they’re playing physical.” The Longhorns need to shake off this latest disappointment and bring a sense of urgency to the Cotton Bowl.

Where are all the Arch Manning struggles coming from?

Arch Manning’s expectations were all burdened on him because of his shiny surname. This perspective was brought to light recently by Heisman winner Johnny Manziel and commentator Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe laid it out plainly, saying, “Y’all really thought that Arch Manning was going to be Peyton? Y’all really thought that?” The constant comparisons to his grandfather Archie and uncles Peyton and Eli Manning have become his greatest obstacles.

The Manning legacy is full of championships, Pro Bowls, and records. Fans and critics expected the same from Arch. But it’s not guaranteed. Moreover, it appears Arch may not have faced the kind of competition in high school that toughened the others.

During his high school career at Isidore Newman, Arch racked up 115 TDs over 42 games. But Manziel soon brings that stat into reality. “When you go watch Arch Manning’s highlight tape,” Manziel continued.  “And you see the dudes that are chasing after him. My grandma in a wheelchair moved faster than some of them boys they were chasing after him, right?” The solution here is to give Arch space to grow. After all, it took Peyton a year at least to find his footing in the pros.