Arch Manning symbolizes Texas’ depth, but he won’t create a quarterback controversy. A week after being named the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, Quinn Ewers exited the game in the second quarter with an abdominal strain. Despite his absence, the outcome of Saturday’s match was never truly in question.
As the season began, it was clear that Texas possessed remarkable depth, a factor that contributed to its status as an elite team. This notion was reinforced during the preparation for Texas’ Week 2 showdown against Michigan, where they secured a convincing 31-13 victory in Ann Arbor.
The depth of Texas’ roster was particularly impressive, especially with the presence of backup quarterback Arch Manning.
Before Saturday, opinions about Manning were largely speculative. Many believed that Manning, ranked as the top recruit in the Class of 2023 by 247 Sports, would excel, not only due to his lineage but also from glimpses of promise shown during spring practices and limited game time since arriving in Austin.
However, the true measure of his abilities remained uncertain until now.
On Saturday, Manning showcased his talent by completing nine of 12 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the offensive strategy was aggressive, allowing Manning to make plays and even run the ball effectively.
Given the length and intensity of the season, it is unrealistic to expect a team like Texas to avoid injuries. Most teams will face quarterback injuries at some point, as it is rare for even the best teams to have one quarterback take every significant snap throughout the season.
Ewers has a notable injury history since joining Texas in 2022, suffering a collarbone injury during the loss to Alabama and a shoulder injury last season that sidelined him for two games. Therefore, it was anticipated that Manning would step in at some point.
Saturday’s performance not only confirmed Texas’ depth but also sparked discussions about Manning’s potential as the most talented quarterback in Austin. While Ewers brings experience, it could be argued that Texas might not skip a beat without its starting quarterback, who is expected to be a Heisman finalist this season.
Quinn Ewers is considered week-to-week after suffering an abdominal injury. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Manning’s performance was impressive, especially his remarkable 67-yard touchdown run, which was the longest touchdown run by a Texas quarterback since Vince Young. This achievement is significant, considering the talent of quarterbacks like Colt McCoy.
Modern technology allows for tracking player speeds, and Manning reached an impressive 21 mph on his touchdown run. This speed is notable, as only the fastest players typically hit 22 or 22.5 mph. Manning’s speed during the run was astonishing, especially considering the expectations set by his uncle, Peyton Manning.
Ewers is currently considered week-to-week with his injury, which provides Sarkisian with the flexibility to manage the situation without rushing Ewers back into action. Texas faces Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State before a significant matchup against Oklahoma after a bye week. This timeline allows for Ewers to recover before the crucial Red River rivalry game, followed by a challenging game against Georgia.
The prospect of Ewers sitting out for an extended period, combined with Manning’s potential emergence, raises questions about a possible quarterback controversy at Texas. However, it is unlikely that this situation will escalate into a full-blown controversy, despite speculation from some fans.
In Texas, opinions about the team are abundant. Sarkisian remains steadfast against external pressures regarding his decisions. His confidence will be crucial in managing the noise that may arise, especially if Ewers struggles during the Oklahoma game.
This scenario presents a favorable situation for the Longhorns, provided Sarkisian addresses it effectively. If he manages the quarterback dynamics well, the team is likely to reach the national championship game, aligning with the high expectations set for Texas this season.
