Texas Faces Ole Miss With Arch Manning And Playoff Hopes On The Line

Texas football was the nation's No. 1 team just two weeks ago.

Now, Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns are staring at a potentially season-defining showdown against No. 7 Ole Miss, with an inconsistent offense, mounting injury concerns and precious little room for another SEC loss.

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Saturday night's 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium brings together two programs moving in opposite directions.

No. 19 Texas (4-2, 1-2 SEC) has dropped consecutive 27-24 decisions to Oklahoma and Florida, while Ole Miss (5-1, 3-1 SEC) arrives following an impressive 31-3 dismantling of Missouri.

For the Longhorns, the biggest issue remains quarterback Arch Manning.

The junior has thrown for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, but his decision-making has become a serious concern. 

Three fourth-quarter turnovers during the losses to Oklahoma and Florida have intensified questions about whether Manning can deliver when Texas needs him most.

Sarkisian isn't making a quarterback change, although backup KJ Lacey Jr. has received additional first-team practice opportunities.

Manning understands the criticism.

"I'm letting it rip," Manning said while discussing his determination to play more aggressively rather than hesitate when opportunities develop.

But quarterback problems aren't happening in isolation.

Texas has surrendered 17 sacks this season, and the offense has struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack.

Running back Hollywood Smothers leads the Longhorns with 289 rushing yards, while Ryan Wingo has 345 receiving yards.

Injuries could make matters considerably worse.

Star edge rusher Colin Simmons suffered a high-ankle sprain against Florida, putting his availability against Ole Miss in serious doubt.

Losing Simmons would be a substantial blow to a Texas defense preparing for one of the SEC's most dangerous quarterbacks.

Offensively, linemen Jaydon Chatman and Jordan Coleman have dealt with injuries, while receiver Kaliq Lockett has also appeared on recent availability reports.

Their statuses require continued monitoring heading into Saturday.

Ole Miss has an injury concern of its own involving running back Kewan Lacy, who continues managing a shoulder problem.

Lacy rushed for 122 yards on 16 carries against Missouri, but the Rebels could lean more heavily on Makhi Frazier and JT Lindsey if his workload needs to be limited.

Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss presents an especially difficult matchup for Texas.

Chambliss has thrown for 1,676 yards and 14 touchdowns through six games, giving Pete Golding's offense the ability to challenge defenses through the air while keeping opponents honest with its running game.

Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles, who leads the Longhorns with 48 tackles, could carry additional responsibility if Simmons can't play.

The matchup also brings an intriguing coaching connection. Golding worked alongside Sarkisian at Alabama and understands the offensive concepts Texas wants to establish.

The Rebels coach has praised Sarkisian's play-calling ability, but Ole Miss will undoubtedly try to force Manning into uncomfortable passing situations and capitalize on the protection breakdowns that have plagued Texas.

For the Longhorns, winning requires a more physical running game, cleaner quarterback play and a defense capable of containing Chambliss without surrendering explosive gains.

Another loss wouldn't mathematically eliminate Texas from College Football Playoff consideration, but at 4-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play, the Longhorns would face an increasingly difficult climb.

A victory, however, would immediately change the conversation around Sarkisian, Manning and a season that's suddenly threatening to unravel.

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Texas doesn't need another encouraging performance that ends in disappointment.

It needs to finish a football game.