Arch Manning does interview with Holly Rowe after controversy over AI slapping video comment

Texas quarterback Arch Manning did a postgame interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe on Saturday, less than two weeks after apologizing for calling an AI-generated video that depicted her being slapped "hilarious."

Rowe interviewed Manning on the field after No. 1 Texas survived a late comeback attempt by No. 14 Tennessee to earn a 20-17 victory at Neyland Stadium.

"I know this was a hard-fought win. This was dramatic down the stretch, but that long drive, you guys punch it in, you go over, and you're hyping up your offensive line. How huge was that moment for you guys in this game?" Rowe asked.

NO. 1 TEXAS ESCAPES TENNESSEE WITH THRILLING SEC VICTORY AS PRESIDENT TRUMP WATCHES ON FROM NEYLAND STADIUM

"It was fun," Manning said. "I thought they battled the whole time. Shout out to our defense. Colin Simmons, that's a real player right there."

Rowe then asked Manning about the significance of winning at the stadium where his uncle, Peyton Manning, became a college football legend.

"He was terrific today. Your whole team was," Rowe said. "But I know a lot of people think this is a special day for your family. You made your own history out on this field today. What was that like for you, Arch?"

"It's not about me," Manning responded. "I didn't play very well, but our team played great. Defense played well. SEC road win, that's what it's all about."

Manning completed 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards and an interception. He was sacked six times as Texas finished with just 262 total yards and committed 11 penalties for 115 yards. The Longhorns defense recorded 10 sacks, including a program record-tying five by Simmons.

Rowe closed by asking Manning about the encouragement he offered Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon after the game.

TEXAS' STEVE SARKISAN'S FIRST INTERVIEW WITH HOLLY ROWE GOES OFF WITHOUT A HITCH AFTER VIRAL POSTGAME INCIDENT

"I just said keep going," Manning said. "He's a great player. I wish him all the best."

"Thanks so much," Rowe said.

"Thank you. Appreciate it," Manning responded.

The interview garnered mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the cordial nature of it despite the context, while others shared concerns that Manning's personality appears depleted after the controversy and subsequent apology.

ARCH MANNING ISSUES APOLOGY AFTER FACING HEAT FOR LAUGHING AT AI VIDEO OF STEVE SARKISIAN SLAPPING HOLLY ROWE

The exchange attracted additional attention because of the controversy that followed Texas dramatic 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State on Sept. 12.

After that game, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian interrupted Rowes opening question, shouted, "Texas fight" and "Hook em," and walked away from the interview. An altered video subsequently circulated on social media that falsely showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe.

When Manning was asked about social media e