Saturday night in Oxford was a rollercoaster, and not just because of the game. After Texas narrowly escaped Ole Miss with a 34-27 victory, Arch Manning and ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe delivered a moment that had the internet buzzing faster than a blitz.
Manning, who has a history with Rowe, couldn't resist cracking a joke during the postgame interview. "You need to start doing our games more. We're 3-0 with you this year," he said with a grin. Rowe's response was quick: "Hey, we'll take it." But it was what came next that stole the spotlight. The camera caught Rowe making a face that has since ignited a full-blown debate among fans.
Was it a cringe face, a genuine smile, or something in between? Social media is split. One fan on X wrote, "She's smiling like she looks honored haha not cringe." Another chimed in, "I thought she made the aw, that's sweet, face." A third added, "That was not the cringe face. She was making the oh how sweet face. Don't lie."
This isn't the first time Manning and Rowe have found themselves in the headlines together. Earlier this season, Manning joked that an AI video of his head coach, Steve Sarkisian, slapping Rowe was "hilarious." The backlash was swift, and Manning issued a public apology on Instagram, saying, "In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it. It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that."
He specifically addressed Rowe, adding, "I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward."
Rowe accepted the apology gracefully, tweeting, "Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this – which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."
So, what did that face really mean? It's hard to say, but it's clear the dynamic between these two is anything but dull. With Texas improving to 5-2 and keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive, Manning's on-field performance is drawing plenty of attention. But it's his off-field interactions that keep giving fans something to talk about.
As for Manning's future, there's constant chatter about his NFL draft decision, and some have even questioned his recent competition at quarterback. But for now, the spotlight is firmly on that postgame moment with Rowe.
What do you make of the face Rowe made? Let us know in the comments.
