Arch Manning was inconsistent on Saturday as No. 9 Texas suffered a 29-21 upset loss at the hands of Florida.
With the Longhorns attempting to tie the game on their final possession, Manning was sacked and time ran out before he had a chance to spike the ball.
He finished 16-of-29 for 263 yards and two touchdowns while getting picked off twice. Manning also rushed for a team-high 38 yards, although both of his interceptions occurred in the fourth quarter.
Fans and pundits weren’t impressed with his performance.
Texas started off slow, as Florida took a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter that was highlighted by a five-yard touchdown run from Jadan Baugh.
Manning found Quintrevion Wisner for a six-yard score early in the second quarter, but the Gators quickly responded with another touchdown on their ensuing drive.
Florida’s special teams also made an early impact, as a blocked punt went through the back of the end zone for a safety that gave the team a 19-7 edge at halftime.
The Gators pushed their lead to 15 points in the third quarter and the Longhorns couldn’t consistently move down the field to cut into the deficit.
Texas amassed just 101 total yards on its first four drives of the fourth quarter, scoring one touchdown.
The Longhorns’ final opportunity came with them trailing by eight points and 46 seconds remaining in regulation. Backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell came into the game for Texas and recorded a 26-yard completion after Manning was sacked and his helmet came off, forcing him to momentarily exit the contest.
When the incumbent starting signal-caller came back onto the field, he was nearly picked off again before time ultimately ran out.
Texas couldn’t rely on its rushing attack, picking up a mere 52 yards on 26 attempts as a team. The Longhorns also converted just three of their 11 opportunities on third down.
For the Gators, DJ Lagway finished 21-of-28 for 298 yards and two touchdowns to go along with one interception.
His top target was Dallas Wilson, who hauled in six receptions for 111 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Baugh also chipped in with 107 yards on the ground.
Texas fell to 3-2 with the defeat, while Manning has now tossed five interceptions in five games this year.
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