WHAT ARCH MANNING'S FIVE-TD ARRIVAL, QUINN EWERS' INJURY MEANS FOR TEXAS QBS

It took three plays for Arch Manning to command the college football world's attention.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers exited Saturday's matchup with UTSA with a strained abdomen in the second quarter, and Manning did not take long to settle in relief during a 56-7 victory against the Roadrunners. 

On his first snap, Manning threw a crossing route to DeAndre Moore for a 19-yard TD pass with 12:10 left in the second quarter. It wasn't Manning's first career TD pass – that was in Week 1 against Colorado State. But this wasn't in garbage time. 

On the next drive, Manning faked a hand-off, sprinted to the open field, juked UTSA safety Elliott Davison and ran untouched for a 67-yard touchdown. Who didn't think out loud, "When did Peyton or Eli ever do that?" 

Manning was 9 of 12 for 223 yards with four TDs and no interceptions. He added 53 yards rushing and a TD. It was an incredible pinch-hit performance for Ewers, and it showed the magnitude of the Manning name still resonates. He is just not any backup quarterback. 

Manning – son of Cooper Manning – comes from the royal family of quarterbacks. Archie – his grandfather – was a star at Ole Miss as a three-year starter from 1968-70. Peyton and Eli – Arch's uncles – enjoyed high-profile careers at Tennessee and Ole Miss, respectively, before winning two Super Bowls each in the NFL. There is a Manning for every generation, and Arch could get the start next week when Texas closes regular-season non-conference play against UL-Monroe. What if he gets the start in Texas' SEC opener against Mississippi State on Sept. 28?

Admit it. You kind of want to see it. That is no way a shot at Ewers – who is one week removed from leading a 31-12 blowout against Michigan at the Big House that showed the Longhorns could win it all in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff era. Ewers was 14 of 16 for 185 yards, two TDs and an interception when he left the game, and he will be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet Manning is the most popular-backup QB in America right now, maybe ever. 

What should we make of Manning's first extended play, Ewers' injury and the implications for Texas in the SEC and the CFP?

Arch Manning five TDs vs. UTSA

How much hype is too much? This wasn't quite Tiger Woods winning his first Major in 1997. It felt more like Ken Griffey Jr.'s first at-bat. Few remember he hit a double off the left-center wall at Oakland on April 3, 1989. Given the hype, the genes and the anticipation, yeah, this feels a little bit like Junior. We can't wait to see more. 

Manning got his first action with the ones, and he did not disappoint. The 19-yard TD pass to Moore was on the first snap. 

The 67-yard TD run on the next drive showcased a trait Manning inherited from his grandfather Archie.Mobility was always a punch-line with Peyton and Eli. Arch is a threat on the zone read. 

Manning got the reality check the next two drives. He took a sack on the next drive and missed a receiver on the following drive. 

Manning bounced back in the second half with three TDs in five passes. He hit Isaiah Bond for a quick screen, and Bond took it for a 50-yard TD. 

Manning then connected with freshman Ryan Wingo for a 75-yard TD pass. Wingo was wide open, but Manning did an excellent job of hanging in the pocket under pressure. 

Manning and Wingo connected again for a 36-yard pass that set up a 12-yard TD to Johntay Cook on a perfectly-placed fade. 

Manning exited after that pass – a brilliant performance that built anticipation for his next possible appearance. 

How long is Quinn Ewers out? 

At halftime, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN sideline reporter Quint Kessenich that Ewers had an abdominal strain. Ewers had street clothes on for the remainder of the game. 

Ewers has missed five starts the last two seasons as the Longhorns' starter. He missed three starts with a right SC joint in 2022 after being knocked out of a game against Alabama. He missed two games with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder in 2023. 

This isn't a quarterback controversy yet. Ewers is the more experienced option. He led Texas to the College Football Playoff last season, and he returned to school instead of going to the 2024 NFL Draft. 

That said, Hudson Card replaced Ewers in 2022 and Maalik Murphy started in 2023. Neither one of those quarterbacks have the potential superstar power of Arch Manning. 

MORE: Latest on Quinn Ewers injury

What this means for Texas in SEC, national title race 

Ewers does not need to be rushed back against UL-Monroe – or even Mississippi State. Texas then has a bye week before the Red River Rivalry with Oklahoma. 

That is when it gets interesting. Ewers is 1-1 in two starts against the Sooners. He passed for 299 yards and four TDs in a 49-0 blowout in 2022. He passed for 346 yards, a TD and two interceptions in a 34-30 loss with Dillon Gabriel last season. 

Manning will get meaningful reps while Ewers is out, but it does not get much more meaningful than the Sooners. Texas plays No. 1 Georgia the following week in a game with SEC and College Football Playoff implications. 

The challenge for Sarkisian will be managing the appetite for Manning, even when Ewers returns. There will be a lot of hypothetical discussions the longer Manning plays, but it's still Ewers' team. At least for now.

Manning showed when it's time – full time – there is no chance we will be able to turn it off.

2024-09-15T02:43:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd