When Texas handed quarterback Arch Manning its starting job this offseason, this probably wasn't the outcome the Longhorns imagined.
It's true that Texas is about where fans expected it to be at this point in the season—1–1 with a loss to Ohio State, and likely to move to 2–1. However, the Longhorns gutted through an eyesore of a first half Saturday, taking a 14–3 lead on UTEP as Manning endured the worst half of his young career.
How bad was Manning through the air? His 5-for-16 performance for 69 yards and an interception earned him boos from the home crowd at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Arch Manning has now thrown nine straight incompletions.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) September 13, 2025
Now there are a LOT of boos. https://t.co/WTiaMhMvvt
Texas fans booed Arch Manning and the Longhorns after struggles in the first half
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 13, 2025
(via @tjmcaloon) pic.twitter.com/rQQ8eRZ4qf
On the bright side: Manning did carry the ball four times for 18 yards and a touchdown just before halftime.
The Miners are hardly Group of Five powers—they lost their opener to Utah State—so whether Manning can pick up the pace in the second half will bear watching.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Arch Manning, Texas Booed By Home Fans Amid First-Half Struggles Against UTEP.
