Last week was rough in Austin. Texas fell 29-21 to Florida as George Gumbs blasted through for five sacks. Arch Manning and the Longhorns had a chance in the final minute after a defensive penalty, but a deep pass fell incomplete, and Manning was sacked twice. The noise outside was deafening, and Steve Sarkisian heard it all. He stayed silent until Saturday’s Red River Rivalry, the kind of game that can completely rewrite a season’s narrative.

Ryan Niblett’s 75-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter helped to seal a 23-6 Texas win over sixth-ranked Oklahoma. Steve Sarkisian finally had it his way, but his postgame tone told a different story. An X post on October 11 presented the HC’s real emotions, where he said, “It’s easy to succumb to the outside noise, and there was a lot of shit getting talked about our team, these guys, and I think they responded.” Speaking of Arch Manning, the kid delivered.

 You could almost feel the pent-up rage spilling out. This was a rebuttal to every headline, every social media jab, every lazy Arch Manning hot take. After being tormented by critics all week, he looked poised, sharp, and borderline surgical. The 21-year-old completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and tossed a 12-yard TD to DeAndre Moore Jr. that flipped the game’s script. RB Tre Wisner, who didn’t have a good game against Florida, stole some of the spotlight too, piling up 94 yards on 22 carries.

Postgame, Manning made sure to credit him, saying, “Tre Wisner … it’s all about him. I’m just proud of our team. I wish we could play like this every week going forward.” Tre Wisner, of course, has a history of shining in Norman. Last year’s 34-3 blowout saw him rush 118 yards with a touchdown. Momentum isn’t new for this guy; he’s just consistent.

Texas dominated in other ways, too, out-gaining Oklahoma 302-258 and converting four extra third downs. That 4-2 record now looks a lot healthier with a brutal stretch coming against No. 4 Texas A&M, No. 9 Georgia, and No. 17 Vanderbilt. If Texas can finish 10-2 (7-1), a third consecutive College Football Playoff berth is within striking distance. And any success would taste sweeter after all the grim remarks hurled at Arch Manning. 

Arch Manning gets support from ESPN after brutal callout

A few days ago, The Athletic posted a wild take that went viral. The post was shared by The New York Times on X, along with the caption, “Many people are having a bad year in college football, but Arch Manning is having one of the worst. The quarterback has gone from preseason Heisman Trophy favorite and projected No. 1 NFL Draft pick to a man synonymous with failure.”

That take went viral and now, it’s aging like milk after Saturday’s display. Texas not only kept the Golden Hat, but possibly revived its playoff pulse. “This would be a huge step in the right direction for Texas, but it’s also a baby step,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich said on Get Up.

“Think about this; it’s their first win against a Power Four opponent and first against a ranked opponent… Members of the selection committee will look at how Arch Manning and that offensive line played against one of the best defenses in the country.” Steve Sarkisian is making sure the O-line is well furnished. Steve Sarkisian’s firing was personal. Kentucky’s next, but maybe we can start believing again. Texas just reintroduced itself to college football’s elite circle, with a little vengeance on the side.