Oh-no! The Texas Longhorns fans had been waiting with bated breath for the September 14 face-off. While Steve Sarkisian’s program took the lead, the program got sideswiped by a blow they didn’t see coming. Their star QB Quinn Ewers had to hit pack up after he suffered an injury against UTSA. However, like every setback, this comes with a silver lining. Chances are high that Arch Manning will take up Ewers’ role. And what’s their coach’s take on this?

Sarkisian is too pent up with the current situation and came up with a diplomatic answer for his “robotic” QB. While the HC is still in a dilemma, Manning’s already been knighted by the NFL Hall of Fame crew. 

Arch Manning turning crisis into spotlight

Sarkisian’s squad did have a great start against the Roadrunners. By the second quarter, they took a 28-7 lead. But things took an ugly turn! Even before the second quarter was over, with 12 minutes and 19 seconds still left, Ewers had to take an exit because of a strained abdomen injury. And who else would have taken up the reins other than Manning? While the Longhorns fans are yet to make peace with the fact that their favorite QB will remain at the sideline, Sarkisian seems to maintain a neutral stance about Manning filling the gap. The Longhorns HC said, “We’ll just call the plays we know he’s good at.”

And the Heisman Trophy candidate is definitely making things look good! Even though the opportunity slipped in unannounced, Manning turned it into his own personal concert by throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. on his first snap. 

Not just this, the former five-star recruit scored his first career rushing touchdown on a 67-yard run on his next drive. Manning had to man up. After all, he had taken Uncle Peyton, another NFL legend, into confidence.   

A strong vote of confidence for Arch Manning

While Sarkisian had been brutally honest about Manning claiming, “I fight with Arch a lot about him being a little too robotic at times because he wants to be right,” the backup QB found himself a strong spot in Peyton’s list of favorites. His choice to stay with the Longhorns and not switch to any other program was enough to woo the Denver Broncos legend. 

So much so that the five-time NFL MVP couldn’t help but shower his 19-year-old nephew with a huge compliment, “My dad’s speed and athletic ability kind of skipped the generation and went to him. It did not come to me and Eli.” After Peyton, it was Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees’ turn to appreciate Arch’s decision. 

His expectations are high for Sarkisian’s backup QB, “Yours is the guy, yours is going to have a great season they’re going to be National Championship contenders this year and then Arch Manning is going to get his opportunity as a third-year player.” Now, will Arch be the QB that makes Coach Sark forget about his Ewers obsession? Let your opinion pour in!