Arch Manning Sends Two-Word Message After SEC Announcement As Sarkisian Names Player Who Texas Needs to Get ‘Going’

The Texas Longhorns have positioned themselves as strong national championship contenders, thanks to a powerful defense and standout performances from star quarterback Quinn Ewers. Currently, Texas holds the No. 6 national ranking and is third in the SEC with a 7-1 record, with their only defeat being to the No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. In Week 9, Texas narrowly defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 27-24. Following this victory, defensive back Michael Taaffe earned the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week title after posting one interception, a forced fumble, and six tackles. Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning acknowledged Taaffe’s recognition on Instagram, showing his support by sharing the SEC’s announcement along with the message, “One sixxxxxxx.”

Taaffe’s stats this season include one interception, one sack, one forced fumble, four pass deflections, and 39 total tackles. He is presently in his fourth season with the Longhorns, having redshirted his freshman year in 2021. Taaffe has been an anchor for the Longhorns all season, and he has now been named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week. He split SEC honours with Ole Miss’ Suntarine Perkins.

Manning has given Taaffe credit and expressed joy for his teammates throughout the season. He has been Ewers’ backup for the majority of the last two years and is largely regarded as the top backup quarterback in the country. While Manning is not currently the starter, he had an opportunity to demonstrate his dual-threat abilities earlier this year when Ewers suffered an injury against UTSA. Manning threw for nine touchdowns and 920 yards while completing 69.0 percent of his passes.