The Texas Longhorns spring game brought to the spotlight the throwing talent of an already rising star QB in Arch Manning. The Orange and White spring game saw the 18-year-old deliver impressive throws, including three touchdown throws. As for the Longhorns starting QB Quinn Ewers, he only played one drive because HC Steve Sarkisian wanted the spotlight on Manning and freshman Trey Owens.

During the game, Arch Manning completed 19 of 25 passes for 355 yards, which included two 75-yard TD throws. On the other hand, Owens also delivered an outstanding performance, completing 14 of 21 passes for 228 yards and three TDs. The offense might have stolen the viewers’ attention, but it paved the way for criticism to creep in on the defensive side.

Arch Manning’s success puts the defense in a bad light 

Nothing is without some sort of criticism. So, when PFF College uploaded a clip of Arch Manning’s 75-yard throw to sophomore WR DeAndre Moore and captioned, “Arch Manning is putting on a show at the Texas Spring Game,” criticism followed suit. A user commented, “That was baaaad D by the CB… Hope the kid is good but let’s not PFF this one up ok.”

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During the first quarter of the spring game, Texas’ defense vulnerability was exposed as Manning threw an easy pass that went over 50 yards downfield. And that’s far from the only exposure of the Longhorns’ defensive weakness. Manning was able to secure another 75-yard TD with a throw to receiver Isaiah Bond. Another TD came from Manning’s pass to RB Jaydon Blue. Manning and the receivers definitely deserve praise for dominating the offense but fans are shaking their heads at the defense. 

Texas Longhorns’ defense gets trolled online

The defense didn’t play up to the expectations of the spectators. One user trolled the defense, saying, “Hahaha. Bro Texas may have the worst secondary in CFB. I have not seen a single highlight from this game where the DB is not cooked.” 

Another raised their concern on the defense and asked, “Who is the defensive coach?“

Even the play was questioned, and one user posted, “Every play the WR was wide open?“

The defense’s weakness also made Arch Manning’s talent irrelevant, with a user commenting, “Lol that’s a 39-yard lob to a wide open guy. I can link that with my left foot.”

Another person wrote, “I could have thrown that. Guy was wide open by 5 yards.”

Texas may have valuable offensive weapons, but with a dismal defense like what we saw in the highlights, the 2024 season may not be as fruitful as last season.