Arch Manning and Colin Simmons dominate SEC honors, showcasing stellar performances after a nail-biting victory that fuels playoff hopes.
After a thrilling shootout against Vanderbilt that went from a no-doubt win to a last-second nailbiter, the Texas Longhorns once again found themselves with a couple of Southeastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
Headlining the SEC’s list is Arch Manning, who, for the second week in a row, threw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns. The man whom the Athletic once dubbed “college football’s first flop” threw for 328 yards with a completion rate of 76%. Manning finished the week with PFF’s highest passing grade amongst SEC quarterbacks with a grade of 86.9.
Staying patient in the pocket, Manning trusted his protection with his only run of the night, going for four yards. Rather than forcing plays, he methodically moved the offense downfield, leading several touchdown drives with steady decision-making.
"I do think (Arch Manning’s) grown up. I mean, he just looks so much more mature, you know, he looks so much more poised, looks so much more confident, and he's got a lot more trust in those guys around him,” Steve Sarkisian said. “I think that continuity of playing with the more and more and more, just his ability to manage the game and change protections and work the shot clock and take the shots when they're there, and check the ball down when the check downs were there.”
Further down on the SEC’s list is Colin Simmons, who is continuing to build on a stellar season and earned himself the honors of Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week.
Simmons' impact could be felt immediately. On the opening defensive drive, he pulled off the rare strip-sack triple crown–bringing down the quarterback, forcing the ball loose, and falling on it himself. Along with the sack and forced fumble, Simmons also logged a season-high seven pressures. According to PFF, he also saw a 43.4% pass-rush win rate.
With an already injured secondary that saw even more injuries against Vanderbilt, Simmons' dominance was essential to the Longhorns beating Vanderbilt. He not only earned PFF’s highest grade among Longhorns with a score of 90.8 but also ranked as the nation’s top pass-rusher.
The Longhorns' collection of SEC honors highlights the team's ability to find a groove entering the toughest conference games Texas will play all season. Manning’s poise and Simmons’ dominance fueled a crucial win that steadied the Longhorns’ season. As Texas heads into its bye week, sustaining that level of play will define its push toward playoff contention.