The Longhorns vs UTEP game turned into an unexpected nailbiter during the first half, leaving fans divided about quarterback Arch Manning. In fact, at one point, the quarterback was even greeted with boos from the crowd after a particularly unimpressive play.
Manning did manage to score a touchdown in the last few seconds of the first half, bringing the score from an uncomfortably close 7-3 to a more comfortable 14-3, and leaving some fans more hopeful.
But a game this close had never been expected, considering that many had predicted the Longhorns would easily lead by 38 points or more when the game was over.
Steve Sarkisian Wasn’t Worried About Fan Reactions
Hopes were high for Manning, but at one point during the first half, fans were so disappointed that they rained down boos on him from the stands. You can see the reaction in the video below.
At the end of the first half, head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t seem too concerned about Manning, noting that it was a right of passage for a quarterback to get booed.
“He got booed the first half, now he can start playing,” Sarkisian said confidently.
But some fans aren’t quite so confident.
One fan commented on X, “Arch Manning ain’t it in Austin. Getting booed at home playing against… UTEP. Sheesh.”
“Cmon, Horns,” another fan wrote on X with an unenthusiastic GIF.
Another fan compared Manning’s performance to Chris Simms when he was the Longhorns quarterback.
“Welp…it’s official…Arch Manning may in fact be the next Chris Simms…can’t miss prospect who actually stinks…#Texas #Longhorns #HookEm” they wrote.
Other fans commented that both Manning and the offense are very young, and they need more time to get into a good rhythm.
Google Searches for ‘Longhorns Backup Quarterback’ Trended Near the End of the First Half
At the end of the first half, Google search terms for “Longhorns backup quarterback” trended. That position was revealed last week to belong to Matthew Caldwell when he stepped in briefly near the end of the game.
“Someone is going to break the dam and call for Caldwell soon,” @BON_SBNation shared on X during the UTEP game.
Similar sentiments were shared on the LonghornsNation subreddit thread for the game.
One person wrote, “Either arch is injured or we got scammed. Either way he shouldn’t play the 2nd half, out backups need the reps.”
Caldwell transferred to Texas from Troy during the summer of 2025. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
After last week’s victory, fans and reporters expressed concern that Manning might be injured, pointing out a grimace he seemed to have sometimes when he threw.
Manning was asked after last week’s game if his shoulder was having problems, ESPN reported, and he said, “No, I’ve got to make that throw. “[Wingo] was open, ran a good dig route.”
Sarkisian was asked the same question and he said, “I don’t know. News to me.”
During a press conference last Monday, a reporter asked again about Manning’s “throwing pains,” and Sarkisian cut the reporter off.
“According to who? Arch said that to you?” Sarkisian said. “I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the bathroom, so I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”
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