Coming out of a bye week, the Texas Longhorns only had two players out during Saturday’s 29-21 loss to the Florida Gators in Gainesville and didn’t have any major injuries during the game, but it wasn’t for a lack of big hits by the Gators defense.
Texas redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning was sacked seven times, hit five times, and hurried on 22 other occasions as his offensive line melted down in front of him. The hits took a toll on Manning, who needed attention in the medical tent during
the game.
“Arch kind of got a stinger on his shoulder. That’s why he went to the tent and came back out,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said.
The Longhorns head coach praised Manning for his toughness and competitiveness.
“He did take some hits. I thought Arch competed really well today. He battled his butt off,” Sarkisian said.
Manning finished 16-of-29 passing for 263 yards and two touchdowns while leading Texas in rushing despite all the lost sack yardage. But he did also throw two critical interceptions late in the game while attempting to lead an improbable comeback.
“The interception there that their safety makes over the top is a heck of a play. I’m sure there’s going to be plays he’s going to look at on the film and say he wished he could have back. But I thought he battled, he competed,” Sarkisian said.
The other injury was sustained by redshirt freshman wide receiver Parker Livingstone at the end of a 33-yard reception when he took a vicious hit to his lower body. Livingstone was able to return to the game with a sleeve on his right leg and Sarkisian said that X-ray were negative as this week of practice will determine whether the 6’4, 191-pounder will be able to deploy his trademark explosiveness against Oklahoma on Saturday.
