Paul Finebaum Gives Honest Opinion About Arch Manning's First Career Start

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has been the talk of the college football world this season. He made his first career start this past weekend. Manning is the grandson of legendary Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of NFL legends Eli Manning and Peyton Manning.

The top-ranked player in the 2023 class initially struggled by throwing an interception on his first drive. However, he recovered and completed 15-of-29 passes for 258 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. This performance followed his previous game against UTSA, during which starting quarterback Quinn Ewers got injured in the second quarter. Manning finished that game by completing 9-of-12 passes for 223 yards and scoring five total touchdowns.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum believes Manning regressed in his first career start, but he'll cut him some slack because it's all new to him.

"When you throw an interception right out of the gate, it's going to rattle you," Finebaum said. "I thought he recovered. It was against a very pedestrian team, and he definitely took a step back. It's new to him, and I'll cut him some slack."

It is uncertain whether Manning will make his second career start this weekend. The Longhorns are up against their first conference opponent as a member of the SEC. Head coach Steve Sarkisian disclosed this week that Ewers has been practicing, but his availability for Saturday's game is questionable.

The Longhorns will take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Related: Texas Updates Quinn Ewers' Status After Arch Manning's First Start