Arch Mania came to a screeching halt on Saturday afternoon. The season debut of Texas quarterback Arch Manning did not go to plan, as the Longhorns dropped the opener to Ohio State. Criticism for Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian has rained down ever since.

Legendary head coach Steve Spurrier was one of them, going at Sarkisian over how he handled in-game conversations with Manning. Based on what the FOX broadcast showed, Spurrier wanted more communication between the two, especially as Manning struggled. Different than Spurrier’s thought process dating back to his coaching days.

“I don’t like their game plan,” Spurrier said via Another Dooley Noted Podcast. “And I don’t really like how they do it. When I coach, everybody knows I coach the quarterback and call the plays. So in between, I go there and sit on the bench with him if something happened. ‘Look at this, look at that.’ So, I talk to him during the game.

“Arch, I don’t think anybody was talking with him. He goes and sits with his teammates over there. Put a headset on, talk to the guy up top or somebody. But there was no communication, no ‘Come on now, you’re going to be alright.’ They just sort of left him out there and it didn’t work out very well for their offense.”

Spurrier coached some great quarterbacks during his days at Florida and South Carolina. One Heisman Trophy was even produced, going to Danny Wuerffel in 1996. On-field results were great too, having six SEC Championships and winning the whole thing with Wuerffel under center.

Texas still has faith similar accolades can come under Manning. But the journey got off to a rough start against Ohio State. Manning completed 17 of his 30 passes for 170 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Most of his production came late in the game when things began to click a little for the Longhorns. Maybe something to build on heading into San Jose State.

Based on opponents such as the Spartans, Texas has a few weeks to make corrections. Oct. 4 against Florida is the team’s next big game, one you imagine Spurrier will have an extra eye on. From there, seven more SEC contests fall on the schedule.

People will continue to see how the season develops for Manning. Many are interested in his play but Spurrier wants to make sure the right kind of support is coming for the third-year player.