Why Dan Orlovsky believes Arch Manning should leave Texas

The Texas Longhorns (4-2, 1-2 SEC) are on a two-game skid, losing to the unranked Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry as the No. 1-ranked team in the country, then getting upset at home to the Florida Gators, 27-24.

While quarterback Arch Manning's stat line of four touchdowns, 433 yards, two interceptions and a 64.7% completion rate appears respectable, the turnovers and missed opportunities have proven far more significant than the raw numbers.

"From a strictly football perspective, I hate Texas' offense. They don't allow Arch to play quarterback," Dan Orlovsky said on "First Take" on Friday. "...It's an offense right now that has absolutely regressed the player, and I think whatever happens this weekend, this relationship is certainly done."

Orlovsky doesn't believe Manning should declare for the NFL; he believes Arch should leave Texas and "go to a place that adamantly can develop him as a quarterback that gives you the ability to play quarterback."

Orlovsky may be overstating the likelihood of a transfer, but he's highlighting a legitimate problem. The Longhorns invested in a generational quarterback talent, yet too often the offense feels designed to protect Manning rather than unleash him. At some point, Texas has to decide whether it's building the offense around its system or around the player who gives it the best chance to compete for championships.

Orlovsky named five teams that Manning could transfer to next season that included: LSU, Ohio State, Miami, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Lane Kiffin might offer the highest upside. He's built a reputation as one of college football's most quarterback-friendly play callers. His offenses routinely emphasize explosive plays, aggressive downfield passing, pre-snap motion and putting the quarterback in favorable situations.

If the complaint is that Texas has turned Manning into a game manager, then Kiffin represents the complete opposite philosophy. Few coaches in college football are more willing to hand the keys to an elite quarterback and let him dictate the offense.

Kiffin has consistently elevated quarterback production throughout his career, whether at Alabama as offensive coordinator or later as a head coach at Ole Miss with Trindad Chambliss. He tends to adapt the scheme around the player's strengths rather than asking elite talent to fit a predetermined mold.