There is a huge debate in the SEC right now about Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.
SEC Network and ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers said Wednesday that Manning may be a bit overhyped because the last time he played against a really good defense, he was underwhelming.
“The hype doesn’t match the type,” Rodgers said Wednesday on “Get Up”. “There are good things, the tape to me doesn’t tell that you have a first round draft pick or a top 10 draft pick or No. 1 overall draft pick or a Heisman hopeful, I think he is going into Ohio State and he’s going to struggle because he hasn't played anybody. The last time we saw him against a really good defense was against Georgia, and he looked out of place.”
Rodgers added, “He looked really good against UTSA, Louisiana Monroe, and Mississippi State, the worst defense in the SEC. I think there is a lot for him to grow and a lot we need to see. “
But colleague Greg McElroy called out Rodgers on his comments, saying that Manning, in his opinion, is the real deal.
“I’m gonna respectfully disagree,” McElroy said Thursday . “I went back and watched the tape yesterday and was like, ‘Maybe Arch is better than I thought after watching a few plays because, man, his game against Mississippi State in particular was off the charts good. Watch this play. You’ve got a guy off the edge. He has to negotiate that pass rush. Steps up beautifully. Here’s what makes him different. Look at the angles the defenders take. Those are terrible. Yes, that is an indictment on the defenders. Sure, but it might be showing just how fast Arch is.”
He added, “I think he’s absolutely gonna live up to expectations. Not so much that he’s the biggest freak we’ve ever seen throwing it, but I think his acumen, his understanding, his accuracy, and I think his preparedness over the past few years has him positioned to have a tremendous first year as a starting quarterback.”