As a freshman, Manning began the season as the third-string quarterback.[21] In the season opener against UCLA, he was one of three quarterbacks to come off the bench after starter Jerry Colquitt suffered a season-ending injury on the seventh play of the game. However, he was not able to generate any offense, only handing the ball off three times, and was pulled from the game.[22] Two weeks later, in a 31–0 loss to the #1 Florida Gators, Manning completed his first collegiate pass.