A new era of Manning is emerging.
Ewers Out, Manning In
University of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian announced that Arch Manning will get his first start at quarterback this weekend against Louisiana-Monroe. Texas' routine starter Quinn Ewers suffered a strained abdominal injury in the Week 3 victory over UTSA. While Sarkisian has expressed no concern about Ewers' long-term future, the head coach is in no rush to get his QB back on the field.
"Quinn has made great strides ever since Saturday night into where he's gotten to," Sarkisian said. "But my decision is I'm looking forward to his future as a player, but also the future of the season for us. ... And getting him possibly one more week healthier for the long term, I think, is good for us as we're getting ready for SEC play."
Sarkisian Is Keeping Expectations Low
After Ewers early exit, Manning accepted the call up and balled out in the 56-7 win over UTSA last weekend. He completed 9-of-12 passes for 223 yards, throwing four touchdowns with no interceptions, and notably taking the ball 67 yards on his own for the touchdown. Ahead of their next matchup head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed great confidence in the backup QB, saying he often prepares as if he is going to start anyway. Now that he's in the driver's seat, Sarkisian made it clear that his objective for the top prospect in the Class of 2023 is just to go out and produce at a high rate.
"I don't think he has to focus on leading right now," Sarkisian asserted in his expectations for Manning. "I think he needs to focus on knowing what he's supposed to do and playing at a high level ... But our focus has been on him playing good football, and the leadership stuff will come as it comes."
