Arch Manning Faces LSU's Defensive Monsters With Texas' Season At Stake

Texas football has rediscovered its confidence, but Saturday night's showdown against LSU will test whether Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns have truly turned their season around.

Texas enters Death Valley at 7-2, with Arch Manning playing his best football of the season and the College Football Playoff suddenly looking attainable again.

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But LSU's aggressive defense presents five critical challenges that could determine whether the Longhorns leave Baton Rouge with their championship hopes intact.

The biggest battle starts with Manning against defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

Manning has thrown six touchdowns without an interception over his last two games, including 297 passing yards and three scores against Missouri.

Baker, however, commands one of the nation's most disruptive defenses, and his willingness to bring extra pressure could force Manning into uncomfortable situations.

LSU has recorded 36 sacks through nine games, while Texas has surrendered 27.

That's where the second matchup becomes particularly concerning.

Texas offensive tackles Andre Cojoe and Melvin Siani must contend with LSU edge rushers Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross, who have combined for 13.5 sacks.

Umanmielen leads the Tigers with 8.5, making him a potential game-wrecker if Texas can't provide Manning adequate protection.

Sarkisian understands the challenge.

"You could argue this is the most talented defense we're going to go against this year," he said this week.

The third battle features Texas running back Raleek Brown against LSU's linebackers.

Brown has forced 12 missed tackles over the last three games, providing much-needed production behind an inconsistent offensive line.

But LSU allows fewer than 85 rushing yards per game.

Linebackers TJ Dottery and Davhon Keys will be central to containing Brown, while Whit Weeks' availability remains uncertain because of an injury.

Texas' receivers face another demanding assignment.

Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley and Jermaine Bishop Jr. must create separation against a secondary featuring DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland and Ty Benefield.

The potential return of Cam Coleman, who missed the Missouri game with a shoulder injury, would give Manning another explosive option.

LSU is allowing just 176.4 passing yards per game, so sustained production won't come easily.

The final matchup isn't against an individual player.

It's against Death Valley itself.

Manning grew up in New Orleans and understands what awaits Saturday night.

"We're going to need it the most this week because you know what this crowd's like," Manning said while discussing the team's need to stay connected on the road.

Texas has already handled difficult road environments, but LSU under the lights presents another level of pressure.

The Longhorns need efficient protection, a productive running game and another turnover-free performance from Manning.

MORE: Texas Faces Critical Tests Against LSU With Playoff Hopes At Stake

Win those battles, and Texas moves another step closer to the playoff.

Lose them, and an already unpredictable season becomes considerably more complicated.