Would Texas Have Beaten Ohio State If Arch Manning Played? Fans’ Opinions Are Divided

The question of whether Texas would have beaten Ohio State if Arch Manning had played instead of Quinn Ewers or any other quarterback is one that has sparked significant debate among fans, pundits, and analysts alike. In a matchup that was primed to be one of the season’s most anticipated games, the performance of Texas’ quarterbacks became a focal point, especially after the Longhorns’ dramatic win or narrow loss to the Buckeyes. However, the conversation takes on a different dimension when considering Arch Manning, the high-profile freshman quarterback and the latest member of the legendary Manning family, as the hypothetical starting QB for Texas.

This article will delve into the various factors contributing to the debate, including Manning’s potential impact, his readiness as a freshman, the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, and the broader context of fan reactions. Ultimately, the question is about more than just one game — it’s about what could have been with one of the most highly-touted recruits in recent memory.

Arch Manning: The Next Manning Phenomenon

Arch Manning’s name alone carries significant weight. He is the grandson of Archie Manning, the son of Peyton Manning, and the nephew of Eli Manning, three of the most recognizable names in football history. As the latest heir to this prestigious football legacy, Arch entered the college football world with sky-high expectations. Known for his excellent arm strength, football IQ, and calm demeanor on the field, Manning was recruited by virtually every top program in the country. Ultimately, he chose Texas, adding to the anticipation surrounding the Longhorns’ football program.

From a physical standpoint, Manning possesses the qualities that most college coaches look for in a quarterback. He has a strong, accurate arm and is poised under pressure — attributes that make him a unique talent at the quarterback position. However, despite all the hype, there are still questions about how quickly a freshman can transition to the college game, especially in such a high-profile matchup as the one between Texas and Ohio State.

The State of Texas’ Quarterback Position

Heading into the season, Texas was relying on Quinn Ewers, who had shown flashes of brilliance in his previous season but also exhibited inconsistency. Ewers, a former five-star recruit in his own right, faced immense pressure to lead Texas to prominence. His performance had been scrutinized in the months leading up to the Ohio State game, as fans and analysts wondered if he could live up to the expectations placed on him.

While Quinn Ewers had his moments, he struggled at times with accuracy, decision-making, and general consistency throughout the season. The Longhorns’ offense, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, was potent but had some issues with execution, particularly when it came to finishing drives and avoiding turnovers. Ewers’ inconsistency, paired with a highly-talented but young receiving corps, made the Texas offense somewhat unpredictable.

That said, Ewers did have moments where he looked every bit the part of a future NFL quarterback, capable of leading Texas to victory against top-tier teams. But it’s fair to say that the Longhorns’ hopes often rested on his ability to deliver in big games.

This brings us to the question of Arch Manning. If he had been starting for Texas against Ohio State, would he have been able to provide the consistency and poise needed to secure a victory?

Ohio State’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has long been a powerhouse in college football. The Buckeyes have a history of producing elite talent, particularly at the quarterback position. In the matchup against Texas, the Buckeyes were led by quarterback Kyle McCord, a player with plenty of potential but also one who had yet to fully prove himself in the biggest games. McCord’s performance against top-tier teams like Michigan and Penn State had been underwhelming, leaving some room for doubt about Ohio State’s ability to go toe-to-toe with a program like Texas.

On the other hand, Ohio State’s defense had shown significant improvement over the past few years, thanks to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ system. While not as elite as Georgia or Michigan’s defenses, Ohio State’s defense had become stingy against the run and better at limiting big plays. The unit still had areas of vulnerability, especially against high-powered offenses that could exploit secondary weaknesses. Texas, with its talented roster and skilled quarterbacks, had the potential to expose these weaknesses.

Texas also had a solid defense led by players like defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat and linebacker Jaylan Ford, both of whom could pose problems for Ohio State’s offense. In fact, many felt that the key to the game would be how well Texas’ defense could slow down Ohio State’s running game and force McCord into difficult situations.

How Would Arch Manning Have Fared Against Ohio State?

Given Manning’s status as a five-star recruit, it’s easy to assume that his talent alone would have made a significant difference in the game. His skill set — particularly his arm strength and ability to make difficult throws — would have fit well within Texas’ offensive system, designed by Sarkisian to maximize the quarterback’s strengths. But what about the realities of facing Ohio State’s defense in such a high-stakes game?

Freshmen quarterbacks often struggle when thrown into the fire of major games, and even someone with Manning’s pedigree would have had to adapt quickly to the speed and complexity of college football. College defenses are faster and more physical than what Manning might have seen at the high school level, and Ohio State, with its impressive defensive front and athletic secondary, would have tested Manning in ways he had never encountered before.

Moreover, while Manning may have had an advanced football IQ and poise, the game experience would have been a critical factor. Texas’ offensive line, while talented, wasn’t invincible, and Ohio State would likely have aimed to apply pressure on Manning early and often. How Manning responded to this pressure would have been crucial.

Fans who support the idea that Manning would have made a difference argue that his strong arm and composure under pressure could have been the x-factor that turned the game in Texas’ favor. They point to Manning’s success in high school and his ability to perform in big games as evidence that he would rise to the occasion in a college setting.

On the other hand, detractors argue that even Manning, as talented as he is, would have struggled to execute at a high level against a seasoned, top-tier defense like Ohio State’s. The speed of the game, combined with the complexity of Ohio State’s schemes, would likely have given Manning fits. They contend that he would have been forced into mistakes — perhaps costly interceptions or missed opportunities — which could have led to a Texas defeat.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Opinion

The debate among fans has been intense and divisive. Some fans argue that Arch Manning’s presence could have been the catalyst for a Texas victory. They argue that Manning, with his elite arm and intelligence, could have executed better than Ewers and made the plays necessary to win the game. These fans point to Manning’s potential and the fact that, with the right guidance and protection, he could have exploited Ohio State’s defense more effectively.

On the other hand, many fans believe that Manning would have faced the same challenges as Ewers and perhaps even more, given the heightened expectations surrounding him. These fans argue that no matter how talented Manning is, it would have been an uphill battle for any freshman to take on a program like Ohio State in such a high-profile game. They also question whether Manning would have been fully prepared to handle the pressure of such a big stage so early in his career.

Ultimately, fans who are divided on this issue often emphasize the intangible qualities that make college football so unpredictable: momentum, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. Even with a quarterback as highly touted as Arch Manning, the outcome of the game would have depended on more than just his individual performance.

Conclusion: What If?

Would Texas have beaten Ohio State if Arch Manning had played? The answer is far from clear. While Manning undoubtedly brings immense talent and potential to the table, it’s difficult to say whether that would have been enough to overcome the challenges posed by Ohio State’s defense and the pressure of a major college football game.

What’s undeniable is that Arch Manning’s potential is a tantalizing prospect for Texas fans. Whether or not he would have been the difference-maker in this particular game is a question that will likely remain a topic of debate for years to come.