"You don't have to preserve him": CFB insider delivers clear message to Steve Sarkisian as Arch Manning emerges as realistic option for Georgia clash
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has a big decision ahead of the Longhorons' SEC title game against the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs. The Longhorns have two elite quarterbacks at their disposal, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, but only one can take the snaps under center.
On Wednesday's episode of the "Andy & Ari" podcast, the two On3 college football analysts discussed how Manning could get extra reps against the Bulldogs on Saturday. Andy also suggested that Sarkisian doesn't need to preserve Manning for just his running ability. [Timestamp: 1:42]
"You don't have to, like, preserve him (Manning)," Andy Staples said. "Because, you know, he's a backup quarterback and like, if you can put some mileage on him this year, this is when you do it."
Although Ewers is the starting quarterback for No. 2 Texas (11-1, 7-1 SEC), he has struggled in recent weeks. Manning, who has served as Ewers' backup, has been solid whenever called upon.
Manning also helped Texas get a 17-7 win over in-state rival Texas A&M in Week 14 on Saturday. The freshman quarterback briefly replaced Ewers toward the end of the first quarter and rushed for a 15-yard touchdown to open the scoring.
It will be interesting to see how Sarkisian utilizes both Manning and Ewers against Georgia (10-2, 6-2 SEC), especially since both of them offer different dynamics on the gridiron.
Steve Sarkisian opens up on gameplan in store for Texas ahead of titanic SEC title matchup against Georiga
Earlier this week, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian opened up on why his team has been successful this season. The Longhorns coach also hinted at his team's game plan for the big game against Georgia this weekend.
"We're constantly trying to evolve," Sarkisian said when asked about his plans for the game vs. Georgia. "There will be things we do Saturday that we haven't done all season. It's about finding ways to move the football and create issues for our opponents."
Notably, Georgia beat Texas, 30-15, earlier in the regular season on Oct. 20. It remains the Longhorns' only defeat this season.
Sarkisian will be wary of Georgia's threat and will want his Texas team to overcome the Bulldogs' hurdle in the SEC title game on Saturday.