The debate over Arch Manning’s mechanics caught fire after Texas’ win over San Jose State. A clip of the quarterback grimacing during a throw spread quickly online. Fans and analysts questioned if he was playing in pain, if something was wrong with his arm, or if his form was off.
Steve Sarkisian addressed it head-on. He didn’t just dismiss the speculation; he leaned into explaining why Manning looks so natural in certain situations. The head coach described how Manning has always been comfortable working from under center.
“I’m sure watching his uncles and mimicking those things in the backyard when he was a kid, it’s a little more comfortable for him. I feel like it helps our run game some in that,” Sarkisian said.
Steve Sarkisian on play action from under center: “I think Arch is very comfortable under center in his mechanics. Here’s a guy who’s been studying the quarterback position his whole life. I’m sure watching his uncles and mimicking those things in the backyard when he was a kid,…
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) September 11, 2025
For Sarkisian, the discussion wasn’t only about mechanics. He tied it to the broader philosophy of his offense. Having Manning under center, he explained, does more than highlight the quarterback’s comfort.
With CJ Baxter starting deeper in the backfield, he can attack downhill with momentum and power. The offensive line can fire off with confidence, creating a physical tone from the snap. That alignment, Sarkisian noted, helps set up both the run and the play action.
In the end, Sarkisian reframed the viral clip. What many saw as a sign of discomfort, he spun as evidence of fit. Manning isn’t broken or limited or playing through pain; he’s simply running a system designed to put him in the best position.
The recent comment from Sarkisian on Manning is very different from the one he offered right after rumors started floating around.
Steve Sarkisian Was Criticized For His Bizarre Bathroom Analogy
When Sarkisian sat down for a press conference two days ago, he was asked whether Manning was having some physical issues. Instead of explaining it in simple language, the Texas coach resorted to a bizarre analogy.
“He doesn’t have any [problems],” Sarkisian said. “I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you use the bathroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”
While discussing Sarkisian’s comment on First Take, Stephen A. Smith criticized him. Smith couldn’t understand why the coach decided to deflect from the question. He also wondered if there was a deeper issue that Sarkisian was dealing with.
“Seems to me like Sarkisian is feeling some pressure,” Smith said. “And he needs to feel some pressure because the expectations at Texas are very very high.”
SAS believes that if Sarkisian is feeling the pressure, it’s justified because he has a great team. Many analysts think that the Longhorns are the strongest team this season. With such a strong roster, they must play like a team that’s unbeatable.
So far, their campaign has been subpar at best. The loss against Ohio State did a lot of damage to their reputation, and a 38-7 win against SJSU wasn’t enough to restore everything.
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