While the Texas Longhorns are certainly out of the college football playoff race, their performance against the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, 41-27, marks a promising indication of what’s to come for coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns football program.

The most valuable player on the field was none other than prospect Arch Manning. After many fans have criticized him for being a massive, under-performing disappointment while sharing the Manning name, this Sophomore’s production in this game (and many others) has showed just how far he has developed and could be a top contender for the Heisman trophy next season. Manning’s quarterback play stole the show in Orlando, Florida and his stats unquestionably demonstrate it.

Manning threw 21/34 for 221 and two passing touchdowns; a 17-yard dart to tight-end, Jack Endries, and a launching a 30-yard bomb to Kaliq Lockett to take the lead in the fourth quarter. But when using his legs, the Wolverines defense wasn’t prepared for what Arch had to offer. Arch ran the ball nine times for 155 yards and scoring twice. His longest was a 60-yard dash to the end-zone to close out the game, 41-27.

But in the running game, Manning wasn’t the only one to pound the Michigan defense. Running back Christian Clark ran for 20 attempts and went for 105 yards and a 3-yard touchdown to give Texas their first touchdown of the game.

For how dangerous the Michigan offense was with quarterback Bryce Underwood scoring a total of three touchdowns (twice with his arm, and once with his legs), the Texas defense knew when to show up on important drives. Both cornerback Wardell Mack and linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith intercepted Underwood three times combined allowing the Longhorns exceptional field position.

After a rough start for the Longhorns, Manning and fellow players has seemed to have gotten the rust off his back showing signs that the University of Texas might be back as a dark horse contender for College Football Playoffs.