# Pete Golding Faces Texas Quarterback Decision

> Ole Miss must prepare for Arch Manning or KJ Lacey as Texas struggles.
- Title: Pete Golding Faces Texas Quarterback Decision | Shortify
- Summary: Ole Miss must prepare for Arch Manning or KJ Lacey as Texas struggles. Ole Miss coach Pete Golding faces uncertainty over Texas quarterback selection after…
- Keywords: ole miss, texas longhorns, arch manning, kj lacey, peter golding, seattle, nfl, college football, cotton bowl, red river rivalry, college football playoffs, sports
- Source: Ole Miss Rebels On SI — https://si.com/college/olemiss/football/pete-golding-faces-a-fascinating-decision-against-arch-manning-and-texas
- Published: 2026-10-19T18:13:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ole miss, texas longhorns, arch manning, kj lacey, peter golding, seattle, nfl, college football, cotton bowl, red river rivalry, college football playoffs, sports
## Texas Longhorns' Playoff Hopes
Texas looked strong in the SEC and national playoff picture two weeks ago with Arch Manning leading.
## Cotton Bowl Disaster
Tate Sandell's 47-yard field goal attempt failed, raising Texas' first record-marking question.
## Florida Gators' Peculiar Record
Florida Gators had a strange track record in 2026, dominating Ole Miss before losing to Missouri and South Carolina.
## Pete Golding's Big Question
How will Pete Golding prepare for a sliding Texas team without knowing who'll line up against them?
## Quarterback Battle Emerges
Texas faces an unexpected quarterback battle between Arch Manning and KJ Lacey.
## Arch Manning's Struggles
Arch Manning has four games under 200 passing yards and spends more time on the ground than in the air.
## KJ Lacey's Potential
KJ Lacey, a redshirt freshman from Saraland, Ala., has completed seven of eight passes without touchdowns or interceptions.
## Lacey's Physical Profile
Lacey stands just over 6 feet tall and relies on improvisation outside the pocket to halt pass rushers.
## Texas Offensive Line Struggles
Texas allows 30% pressure, the 4th-worst pass-blocking unit in the SEC.
## Ole Miss Defense Strength
Ole Miss looked strong defensively against Austin Simmons and Missouri, with Luke Ferrelli recording his first sack.
## Pete Golding's Precarious Position
Pete Golding faces uncertainty preparing for a Texas team with two quarterbacks.
## Texas on the Ropes
Texas is struggling, with Ole Miss as the final chance to push them toward the College Football Playoffs.
## Ole Miss Defense Opportunity
Ole Miss defense could land the knockout blow in Austin if it maintains its identity.
## Key takeaway

Ole Miss coach Pete Golding faces uncertainty over Texas quarterback selection after Arch Manning's poor performance and KJ Lacey's potential role.