Texas, LSU Playoff Hopes and Arch Manning's Next Move

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

LSU’s Playoff Path and Arch Manning’s Future at Texas

Texas appears likely to reach the College Football Playoff, win or lose against LSU. Its résumé includes victories over Ole Miss, Ohio State, Iowa State and Tennessee, which could be enough even with a 9-3 record.

LSU’s outlook is less certain. The team’s standing in the power ratings differs significantly from its position in the AP and College Football Playoff polls. However, the narrative could change over the next three weeks. A three-game winning streak to end the season, including victories over Texas and Tennessee, would give a 9-3 LSU team a compelling résumé.

That would present a much different picture from the current reaction to LSU’s 18-point home loss against Alabama. LSU outgained Alabama by almost 200 yards, but Alabama made the decisive stops in the red zone and won the biggest high-leverage plays.

Arch Manning’s future is another major question. A few weeks ago, the expectation would have been that he might leave Texas for another program, with Ole Miss mentioned as a possible destination after Trinidad Chambliss.

That view has shifted somewhat following Manning’s strong performance and Texas’ hard-fought win at Missouri. Staying at Texas now appears more reasonable, although a loss at LSU could change the narrative again.

The ultimate hunch is that Manning may still transfer. While there is no inside knowledge of what Cooper, Eli, Peyton, Archie and Arch have discussed, a different viewpoint or new surroundings could potentially help him improve for the NFL.