Texas, LSU Stakes Outweigh Manning’s Louisiana Roots

Manning has played down the attention on his return to Louisiana, saying he has no family connection to LSU and that his focus is on winning with Texas. He grew up in New Orleans, about an hour from Baton Rouge, but did not visit LSU as a recruit. His grandfather played for the New Orleans Saints.

The larger focus for the Longhorns is a consequential road game at Death Valley. Texas is ranked No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings and enters at 7-2 after beating No. 18 Missouri. Another defeat would weaken its playoff case, even with four wins over ranked opponents already on its résumé.

LSU is 6-3 and faces its own pressure: a loss would end its season, making the Tigers a dangerous opponent. Texas will need the strong version of Manning who played against Missouri, rather than his less consistent form from earlier in the season. Coach Steve Sarkisian said Manning is absorbed in the team and focused on becoming a better player.