ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes Texas quarterback Arch Manning could give the Longhorns a College Football Playoff boost. Not necessarily because of his play, but because of his name and brand appeal.
On Wednesday’s episode of First Take, Smith said that Manning’s star power could influence how the playoff committee and television networks view Texas if the team finishes 9-3, hovering around the playoff bubble. The longshot has become more likely over the past couple of weeks, especially with the Longhorns now at No. 10 in the latest Playoff rankings.
“Arch Manning being there, that doesn’t hurt,” Smith said. “We don’t like to admit it, but dammit people on television are the last people that get to deny it. Because it’s about ratings. You want to turn on your tube and see stuff that people actually want to watch. That does matter.”
Manning, the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning, remains one of the most recognizable names in college football. He has thrown for 2,123 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions through nine games, helping Texas stay in the playoff conversation despite early struggles and a brief concussion bout.
The Longhorns currently sit at 7-2 and face Georgia on Saturday. Also, a season finale with undefeated Texas A&M could be a play-in game for the Horns. Wins over both opponents could solidify their spot in the 12-team playoff.
However, if Texas ends up 9-3, Smith believes the committee might lean toward star appeal. “You can’t deny that Arch Manning brings eyeballs,” Smith said. “And that counts for something.”
No. 10 Texas faces No. 5 Georgia in Athens (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
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