Put it in your burn book.
ESPN college football analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said the Longhorns' Arch Manning experiment could be a success before Saturday's first-round game against No. 12 Clemson in the College Football Playoff. I'm asking you to stop trying to make it work.
Appearing on Friday's “Get Up,” McElroy cited the movie “Mean Girls” about Texas potentially benching second-year signal-caller quarterback Quinn Ewers.
“There's a scene in the movie 'Mean Girls' where they say, 'Stop trying to make fetch happen,'” said McElroy, who led the Crimson Tide to the 2010 national championship.
“That's what I want to say about Arch. Stop trying to make Arch your uncle right now.”
The 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Isidore Newman High School is the nephew of legendary NFL QBs Peyton and Eli and the grandson of Archie Manning Sr.
McElroy explained that the No. 5 Longhorns should rely on Ewers to make their second straight College Football Playoff appearance, despite the regression in Texas' offense this season.
“He's going to get there,” the former Jets quarterback said of Manning. “He's going to be a great player over time. I really believe in his upside. I believe in his mobility. I think he can package into this system, Seriously. I wouldn't be surprised if he was on the field or in the red zone in this playoffs, but being on the field for anything other than situational plays at this point is the only way to win. I think it will be a disadvantage for the offensive line, who will likely have to throw it out.
“They're going to have to pitch for a national championship…I think Arch would be a great player in the situation, but right now Quinn is your player and if you're a Longhorn, hopefully you get a commitment It will take you to the ground,” said the fan. ”
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK (via Imagn Images)
Manning won both of his starts this season, throwing four touchdowns and rushing for another while Ewers was out with an oblique injury.
He has shown ability as a two-way quarterback.
Ewers is expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft after this season, paving the way for Manning to take over the starting role in Austin.
Rumors have recently surfaced online that Ewers, who has struggled at times this season with injuries, could return to Texas.
He scored a career-high 25 touchdowns this season.
Earlier this week, Ewers was modest when asked about her future.
“I don't know yet, but I'm just trying to win the game.” he told reporters Monday. “I don't think about anything beyond that.”
The Longhorns host Clemson on Saturday at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
The game will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN starting at 4pm ET.
