The Texas Longhorns showed a much-improved face during their Week 2 victory over the San Jose State Spartans. Steve Sarkisian’s team ran away with the encounter, with the final score reading 38-7. Especially important for the Texas faithful was seeing an Arch Manning closer to the expectations set for him during the preseason.
The signal-caller threw for 295 yards, with four touchdown passes and one interception. While the interception still keeps him away from the Heisman-level performances the media predicted during the preseason, this was a far better outing than Week 1, where they lost 7-14 to Ohio State.
He also seemed to have a better understanding of his receivers this time around. Speaking on Monday with the press during practice, Sarkisian highlighted that Manning has a special relationship with teammate Ryan Wingo.
“His (Ryan Wingo) rapport with Arch (Manning) is really good,” Sarkisian said.
Steve Sarkisian on Texas Longhorns WR Ryan Wingo:
“His rapport with Arch (Manning) is really good.”
— Zach Dimmitt (@ZachDimmitt7) September 8, 2025
Wingo only recorded 30 receiving yards in last week’s game, but was one of only three players to be targeted by Manning four times. Texas’ best receiver against the Spartans was Parker Livingstone, who had four catches for 128 yards, with two touchdown receptions.
Steve Sarkisian on Texas’ Need to Improve its Mental Game After Severe Penalties in Week 2
Texas lost 115 yards to 12 penalties during the game against San Jose State.
Despite the much-improved performance, Steve Sarkisian was the first to admit that the team still has a lot to do to be national title contenders.
Here’s what Sarkisian said on Monday about the penalties:
“Where was our mental intensity? Where was our mental focus? … Human nature is ‘let’s take a deep breath and relax,’ we don’t get to relax. … All that starts with me.”
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian on the penalty issues against San Jose State.
“Where was our mental intensity? Where was our mental focus? … Human nature is ‘let’s take a deep breath and relax,’ we don’t get to relax. … All that starts with me.”
— Zach Dimmitt (@ZachDimmitt7) September 8, 2025
While these kinds of mistakes can be overlooked during a game against a weaker opposition like San Jose State, they can be the difference between a win and a loss against SEC teams.
Texas’ next two games are against UTEP and Sam Houston, so there’s still room to make the necessary adjustments. However, in Week 5, when they face the Florida Gators, they will have to avoid these kinds of mistakes.
Paul Finebaum Puts Arch Manning Hype On Pause Despite Texas QB’s Massive 4-TD Statline vs SJSU
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