10 Arch Manning memes cracking up the internet as Quinn Ewers fumbles big time in Cotton Bowl
A pivotal moment in Friday's Cotton Bowl between the No. 5 Texas Longhorns and No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes sparked intense debate when backup quarterback Arch Manning briefly entered the game before halftime at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Manning, the 19-year-old freshman, rushed for what officials ruled a first down, though replay footage suggested he might have lost control of the ball before being ruled down. The controversial call allowed Texas to maintain possession, leading to starter Quinn Ewers' return and a game-tying 17-yard touchdown pass to Jaydon Blue.
However, late in the fourth quarter, Ewers was hit by Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer, who scooped up the ball after Ewers dropped it for a pick-six, all but sealing the Longhorns' fate.
The sequence triggered a flood of reactions on social media, particularly regarding the quarterback dynamic between Manning and Ewers.
Here are some of the most viral memes that captured fans' attention on X/Twitter.
Top 10 Arch Manning memes cracking up the internet after Quinn Ewers fumbles in Cotton Bowl
#1. A cartoon depicting Manning observantly watching Ewers return to the bench after each drive.
#2. Texas fans' overconfident reactions suggest Manning's superiority over Ewers.
#3. A Khaby Lame-style meme showing Manning's weekly view from the bench.
#4. Ewers' halftime reaction when Manning temporarily replaced him.
#5. Manning's visible responses to Ewers' first-half performance.
#6. Celebrations highlighting Texas scoring during Manning's sole drive.
#7. A celebrity-style meme predicting the end of Ewers' Texas career.
#8. A Tom Brady comparison mocking fan expectations of Manning.
#9. Fans' frustration watching Ewers' red-zone fumble while Manning remained sidelined.
#10. Sports analysts confidently declaring "Manning is here".
The debate intensified when video footage emerged showing significant contact during Manning's run, with many arguing it should have been ruled a fumble despite the officials' on-field call.
Texas needs Arch Manning at quarterback against Ohio State says analyst
Paul Finebaum urged Texas coach Steve Sarkisian to start Arch Manning over Quinn Ewers in the Cotton Bowl semifinal against Ohio State. Texas must give Manning more playing time, Finebaum said, addressing the crucial quarterback decision.
"I think he must play Arch more to get that offense moving," Finebaum said [H/t Irish Star].
The Longhorns lost the Cotton Bowl 28-14 in the end at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Also Read: "Dude has started 2 games": CFB world debate over Arch Manning's future
The Buckeyes advanced to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish next in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game after they defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24 in Thursday's semifinal.