Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers injured his throwing shoulder Saturday en route to a 31-24 win against the Houston Cougars, but now head coach Steve Sarkisian has to come up with a plan that could include Arch Manning in the event Ewers misses play for an extended period.
BREAKING: Texas QB Quinn Ewers will ?miss some time? with a grade 2 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, per @PeteThamel. https://t.co/rZudqgbVSi pic.twitter.com/CShJ2nZTx6
— On3 (@On3sports) October 23, 2023
The 2024 NFL Draft prospect left the game at the start of the fourth quarter. On their depth chart, the Longhorns have Maalik Murphy — and, of course, Arch Manning.
In this instance, it was Murphy who replaced Ewers.
Murphy completed one of two passes for 7 yards. He was out there for two drives, including their 53-yard go-ahead touchdown drive capped off by running back CJ Baxter's 16-yard scamper.
"I thought Maalik showed great poise and composure," Sarkisian said.
Now, heading into Week 9 against the BYU Cougars, it sounds as if Murphy will draw the start. However, Sark didn't rule out the idea of using Manning.
"The team has a lot of confidence in Maalik and Arch," Sarkisian said. "We'll devise a plan for whoever that QB is."
No. 7 Texas will be without its starting QB for the foreseeable future, per @AnwarRichardson.
Maalik Murphy is expected to start vs. BYU in Week 9. pic.twitter.com/pITsmZY7V6
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 23, 2023
Because of his namesake, college football fans are collectively holding their breath in hopes that the true-freshman Manning sees the field. Of course, he could still redshirt this year if he plays fewer than four games.
In Week 9, it's possible we could see Manning on the field for the first time since the team's April scrimmage. Looking back at that game, Manning completed five of 13 passes for 30 yards. Remember, he's a true freshman.
All this being said, Murphy will draw the start. But in the unfortunate event anything happens to him, Manning will hit the field — and, again, expect the college football world's entire focus to be solely on him moving forward.
Texas will be at home Saturday in Week 9 against the Cougars. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET.
