News Summary
The Texas Longhorns will face the Sam Houston Bearkats at Royal-Memorial Stadium this Saturday. This game marks the Bearkats’ first trip to Austin in 17 years, as they navigate challenges in their new FBS status. Texas quarterback Arch Manning is under scrutiny following a tough season start, while backup Matthew Caldwell emerges as a potential alternative. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure their footing in the season ahead.
Austin, Texas
The Texas Longhorns football team is set to host the Sam Houston Bearkats at Royal-Memorial Stadium this Saturday. This game signifies Sam Houston’s first visit to Austin since 2006. The Bearkats have transitioned from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2023 and currently hold a record of 0-3 this season after a successful previous year that saw them win 10 games and reach the New Orleans Bowl.
Texas senior writer Mike Craven recently discussed the challenges facing Sam Houston in their new FBS landscape during the Longhorn Confidential podcast. He indicated that the transition may be impacting their performance. Despite their rocky start, Sam Houston remains a team of interest, especially given their recent performance history.
The Longhorns are in a critical situation as quarterback Arch Manning struggles to find his footing this season. Criticism surrounding Manning’s performance has been mounting, following a recent game against UTEP where he completed 11 out of 25 passes, managed one passing touchdown, and added two rushing touchdowns. Notably, Manning experienced a concerning streak of 10 consecutive incomplete passes during this match. Analyst Joel Klatt has voiced concerns about Manning’s struggles, stating that his difficulties seem to stem from the speed of the game rather than any injury.
Statistically, Manning’s performance places Texas 15th out of 16 SEC teams in completion rate, raising further questions about his readiness for the starting role. Coach Steve Sarkisian has likened Manning’s throwing mechanics to those of a golfer who is out of sync, highlighting ongoing issues in his play. This inconsistency has been evident in his practice performances compared to his game-day output, leading to concerns about his confidence.
Amidst Manning’s challenges, the emergence of backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell could offer Texas an opportunity to reassess their options. Caldwell joined the Longhorns after a successful stint at Troy where he earned recognition for his capabilities on the field. Previously a zero-star recruit who started at Jacksonville State, Caldwell has shown both mobility and accuracy, making him a potential candidate for more game time as the season progresses.
The scrutiny towards Sarkisian is growing as questions arise about his decision to name Manning as the starter without a competitive preseason to gauge his capability. Even though Manning remains the highest-valued player in college football—a status supported by a decline in his NIL valuation from $6.8 million to $5.5 million—he now ranks outside the top 10 among Big 12 quarterbacks in key statistical categories.
Following early endorsements of Manning’s abilities, several analysts are moderating their expectations, indicating he has not yet reached elite levels of performance. The upcoming game against the winless Bearkats provides Texas an opportunity to evaluate both Manning and Caldwell, potentially redefining their quarterback strategy for the remainder of the season.
The matchup this weekend will be significant not only for the Longhorns as they seek to stabilize their season but also for the Bearkats as they navigate their new challenges in FBS play. Both teams will be looking for a positive outcome as they move further into the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pressure Mounts on Arch Manning Ahead of Key Matchup
Jack Endries Enters Texas Football Roster
Cougars Secure First Big 12 Victory Against Cincinnati
Texas Longhorns Struggle Against UTEP, Prepare for Sam Houston
Texas Longhorns to Face Sam Houston Bearkats in Final Non-Conference Game
Houston Cougars Secure First Big 12 Opener Victory
Texas Longhorns Secure Win Despite Offensive Struggles
Colorado Buffaloes Fall Short Against Houston Cougars
Texas Longhorns Prepare for Matchup Against Sam Houston Bearkats
Houston Prepares for Showdown Against Colorado Buffaloes in Big 12 Opener
Additional Resources
- Burnt Orange Nation: Arch Issues
- USA Today: Arch Manning Backup Situation
- Sports Illustrated: Arch Manning’s NIL Valuation
- The Comeback: Arch Manning Practice Performances
- On3: Gameplan to Break Arch Manning’s Slump
- Wikipedia: Arch Manning
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns football
- Google Scholar: Arch Manning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns Football
- Google News: Arch Manning Texas Longhorns
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
