Behind a dominant, healthy offensive line, Arch Manning dismantled the Bobcats’ defense with unprecedented pocket protection, posting a career-low pressure rate and fueling a prolific four-touchdown performance.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning loved having his full offensive line available for the season opener against Texas State.
The redshirt junior was hardly rushed and completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns before taking an early seat as the Horns blew through the Bobcats 59-7 in Austin.
Manning picked apart the defense by targeting his top weapons. Biletnikoff watch-listers Cam Coleman (3 receptions, 70 yards, 2 TDs) and Ryan Wingo (team-high 70 receptions, 121 yards, TD) were effective.
The Longhorns and coach Steve Sarkisian can thank the offensive line for giving Manning a clean pocket throughout, which allowed him to operate with poise.
Pro Football Focused measured that Manning was pressured on just 13 percent of his dropbacks against Texas State.
Last season, in his first year as a full-time starter, Manning never enjoyed a game with less than a 19 percent pressure rate. That metric averaged out to 35 percent for the entire season, so Saturday afternoon's performance must have felt like he was all alone out there.
"That was a good first outing," Manning said. "Obviously a lot of room to improve, but was pleased with the guys."
Before Texas shuffled the depth chart with the outcome never in doubt, starting linemen Trevor Goosby and Lawrence Seymore III were active after dealing with injuries over the last week.
Sarkisian noted the offense's dominance as "indicative" of having his entire offensive line healthy. He built on that point by remembering how the first play from scrimmage was a rush behind the left tackle Goosby, which ended in a gain of 45 yards by Hollywood Smothers.
"I think for Trevor, one was conditioning," Sarkisian said. "He didn't get the scrimmages the other guys got. So, we felt like we needed him this week to play, and play into the second half because of the conditioning factor of it and because we know what's coming."
The Longhorns host Ohio State in Week 2. The No. 1-ranked Buckeyes made quick work of Ball State 56-3 Saturday afternoon.
As a whole, Sarkisian referenced the "really good" pass protection for Manning, and some solid work from the run blocking, as well.
Smothers made his Texas debut and rushed for 70 yards. He split carries with fellow newcomer Raleek Brown, who totaled 34 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Sophomre ball carrier James Simon also rushed for 19 yards on three carries, scoring once.
Sarkisian says his team is best when the run game is working well, and that translated to Manning's accuracy in varying types of throws.
Manning showed growth in his short game by completing 13 of 16 passes that were within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. He was 3 for 3 on passes beyond 20 yards in the ballgame.
