"He was preposterously good against UTSA": CFB insider predicts scenario where Arch Manning may take over from Quinn EwersÂ
Quinn Ewers vs. Arch Manning was a big discussion coming into the season for the Texas Longhorns. Coach Steve Sarkisian went with experience, and it proved correct as Ewers led the Longhorns to a 31-12 victory over reigning national champions the Michigan Wolverines in Week 2.
Last week, Ewers exited the game against the UTSA Roadrunners with an abdominal strain. And the Texas' faithful saw what it's like to have Arch Manning lead the offense.
The redshirt freshman threw for four touchdowns and also rushed for a score as the Longhorns claimed a convincing 56-7 win. Ewers is likely out for Saturday's game against LA-Monroe, so Manning will have another opportunity to ignite the starting quarterback debate once again.
Amid the buzz, college football analyst Pat Forde noted how everything could go downtown for Ewers when the team will be up against arch-rivals Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl on October 12.
"I can tell you this. They're playing in the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma, if Quinn Ewers goes three-and-out in that first possession, people are going to be saying, 'Let's see Arch play,'" Forde said on The Jim Rome Show.
Although Forde mentioned that the starting quarterback's job is Quinn Ewers', he also alluded to the fact that Arch Manning was impressive in his limited showing against UTSA.
"I assume it is Ewers' job period," Forde said, "but boy oh boy, Arch Manning has given people a taste of what it could be like with him, and it's spectacular.
"I mean, he was preposterously good against UTSA (the University of Texas-San Antonio). I think everyone's expecting him to be a great college quarterback."
Steve Sarkisian spoke about the relationship Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers in the locker room
Regardless of how people look at the starting quarterback debate between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers on the outside, inside the Longhorns lockerroom, it's all about respect between the two quarterbacks.
"I don't do anything," Sarkisian said. "Arch is just another guy on our team, and the reason I'm able to do that is because that's who Arch is every day. He's the selfless teammate. He cares about the guys on the team. He cares about Quinn. They've got a great relationship," Sarkisian said (via BR).
"He works his tail off. He wants to play good football for them, because he knows how hard everybody's working. So I literally don't address it with him. I don't address it with the team. He's just part of the team."
For Sarkisian, there's no fight for position at the moment. While Quinn Ewers recovers from injury, Arch Manning is more than ready to steer the ship in his absence. And for Manning, he has a few good years ahead of him and will get his opportunity.