Desmond Howard Speaks Out Against Manning Hype

In a bold statement that’s shaking up college football, 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard has thrown some serious shade at Texas quarterback Arch Manning. Howard insists that Manning should not even be mentioned in the same breath as the Heisman Trophy, calling the hype surrounding him "unwarranted." This is a striking departure from the overwhelming praise Manning has received.

A Closer Look at the Criticism

During a recent appearance on the 'Rich Eisen Show,' Howard didn’t hold back. He argued that while people are reluctant to criticize Manning, largely due to the Manning family’s prominent status in football, it’s time for honest assessment. "Nothing on tape consistently jumped out to me, and people are not willing to critique him because of who he is," Howard asserted.

Analyzing the Performance

In a critical analysis of Manning's recent game, Howard noted that many commentators failed to show the full picture of the quarterback’s struggles. Although acknowledging that Ohio State's defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, executed an impressive game plan, Howard pointed out that the Texas quarterback missed numerous open receivers throughout the match.

Howard expressed frustration with how the media covered the game, indicating there were clear opportunities that Manning failed to capitalize on. He remarked, "I can show you 10-12 plays where guys were running wide open, but he either didn’t see them or missed them with the ball. It wasn’t that complex."

Texas's Disappointing Loss and Future Outlook

Texas suffered a disappointing 14-7 loss to Ohio State, which Howard labeled both "predictable" and a sign of the team's current challenges. Manning had a shaky performance, completing only 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards along with one touchdown and an interception. His first three quarters were especially grim, finishing with just 38 yards.

A concerned NFL scout described Manning's outing as "tough to watch," raising questions about the young quarterback's readiness for high-stakes college football.

What Lies Ahead for Texas?

Looking ahead, Texas will not face another ranked opponent until October 4, when they take on No. 13 Florida. Before that, they have a seemingly easy matchup against San Jose State this Saturday, where they are favored by a massive 36.5 points. Will Manning rise to the occasion, or will the pressure continue to mount?