Arch Manning will not get any playing time against the Oklahoma Sooners, the Texas Longhorns have made that obvious. Quinn Ewers, a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, leads one of the best quarterback rooms in the country, which is a blessing for the Longhorns. Ewers, who led the Longhorns to a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff last season, has already achieved a big victory against Michigan this year.
Supporting him is Arch Manning, who filled in admirably for Ewers during his absence. Manning led the club to its first SEC win and won both of his starts, finishing the week as the top-rated passer nationally according to Pro Football Focus.
On Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference Call, head coach Steve Sarkisian stressed, nonetheless, that this game against Oklahoma will be solely Ewers’ responsibility.
“I recall being a starter, and I never wanted the backup to enter the game, not even for a single play,” Sarkisian said. “I remember getting hurt in my final year of high school, and the coaches called a quarterback draw, which led to my touchdown. I’ve never given it much thought, but I respect the rhythm a starting quarterback needs.”
Ewers had an 86.7 QBR prior to his injury and was thought to be a serious Heisman contender after completing 73% of his passes for 691 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Surprisingly, Ewers is still in the running with the eighth-best odds to win the trophy at +2500, after missing the last two games.
This team unquestionably belongs to Ewers, despite Manning’s outstanding performance—he completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score in his first SEC start. The players and coaching staff understand this, and Ewers has to take the lead from under center if the Longhorns are to succeed this season.
The Longhorns and Sooners will kick off in Dallas at 2:30 pm on ABC on October 12.
