"I try not to consume myself with what y'all think" - Texas HC Steve Sarkisian plays down Ewers-Manning debate ahead of CFP
Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian enters the College Football Playoff amid renewed debate over quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. The discussion reignited after Ewers' performance in Texas' loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship.
Sarkisian now faces a crucial decision: which quarterback to start against Clemson in the playoff. Ewers, the current starter, has been consistent but lacks flash. Meanwhile, Manning is unproven on big stages but has shown flashes of NFL-caliber talent, fueling excitement about his potential.
On Thursday's edition of "The Rich Eisen Show," Sarkisian was asked how he manages the quarterback room.
"I try not to consume myself with what y'all think," Sarkisian said. "We focus on the task at hand, and that's what's in the best interest of the team to win ball games. If I let the emotional roller coaster of what other people think take over me, I'd be an emotional nightmare. I can read one article that says, 'Quinn is the greatest thing since whomever.' Next is, 'Why don't you play Arch?'" (4:25)
Quinn Ewers pedestrian on two Texas losses
While Quinn Ewers has been reliable at quarterback, he has struggled in key moments. In two losses to Georgia, Ewers completed only 58.4% of his passes, compared to 68.8% in Texas' victories. He threw three touchdowns and three interceptions in those losses, compared to 22 touchdowns and six interceptions in wins.
His percentages and yards per game are also down from last season, completing only 66.2% of his passes (down from 70.7%) for 242.3 yards per game (down from 287.4).
Arch Manning is used more by Sarkisian
On the other hand, Arch Manning had impressed in the two games he played as a starter when Ewers went down with an abdominal injury. In a game against Mississippi State, he completed 26 of his 31 passes for two touchdowns and no picks. Sarkisian has used him in crucial moments in their last two games.
Sarkisian addressed this on "The Rich Eisen Show."
"There's always opportunities to do that," Sarkisian said. "We found opportunities to do that against Texas A&M and Georgia. Arch is a great player. ... We are fortunate to have both of those guys in that room. ... When our run game isn't going, we become a limited offense. We like to utilize some of Arch's strengths when those opportunities present themself. We got two quarterbacks, and we're pretty good. We're fortunate with that." (3:30)
Sarkisian hopes the team will remain harmonious despite all the buzz surrounding his quarterback room. Texas will face Clemson on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.