Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns face another early-season test as they visit the No. 14-ranked Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday in the two teams' first SEC game of the season. Both teams are undefeated, with the Longhorns taking over No. 1 in the polls after staging a massive comeback win over the former No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes several weekends ago in Texas. However, they'll now be on the road against another ranked team looking to score a major upset over the top team.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, now an ESPN college football analyst, offered his thoughts on the game, including a warning about what Manning and Texas could face in Knoxville. "This was one of the most difficult places to play in the SEC," Saban said of Neyland Stadium during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" Friday. "I always thought A&M, LSU, and Tennessee were the most difficult places to play, especially if the game is a game and the fans can stay in the game." More news: Arch Manning Draws Blunt Criticism Ahead of Texas Clash With Tennessee Along with a potentially hostile away environment, Saban warned that Manning could face added pressure and may need to do something he hasn't done yet this season.
"Tennessee hasn't given up a lot of explosive plays in the passing game. They've only had two plays that were plus-20 yards in two games in the passing game, but they've given up a lot of explosive runs," Saban said. "Is Texas gonna be able to run the ball and control the ball that way?
Because Arch hasn't been very good at throwing the ball down the field this year." Saban also said the Texas defense will need to "stop the run" and force the Volunteers' freshman quarterback, Faizon Brandon, to "make the plays in the game to win the game." Tennessee is fourth in the nation with 298.7 rushing yards per game, with two running backs, DeSean Bishop and Daune Morris, combining for over 500 yards and six touchdowns. Volunteers quarterback Brandon has thrown for 552 yards and six touchdowns through three games. He's also run the ball 26 times for 137 yards and three touchdowns, helping his team go 3-0.
More news: Eli Manning Gets Honest About Arch Manning’s Holly Rowe Controversy The Vols' defense also has 13 sacks, which trail only the LSU Tigers and Virginia Tech Hokies, who are tied with 14 sacks each. Texas' offensive line might need to work extra hard to protect their quarterback, as Tennessee's defense could get to Manning and disrupt the Longhorns' passing game. Manning has completed 56 of 96 passes for 661 passing yards and seven touchdowns, but has also thrown two interceptions and been sacked four times.
He played his best statistical game against Texas State last weekend. However, it wasn't a Top 25 opponent, and his team looked to be in serious trouble at home for three quarters against the Buckeyes earlier this season. Ahead of the game, ESPN's college football insider Pete Thamel reported that Texas's top running back, Hollywood Smothers, was upgraded to "probable" ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash in Knoxville.
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