The University of Texas Longhorns saw their quarterback future shine brightly when Arch Manning took over for Quinn Ewers, who suffered an “abdominal strain” in the second quarter of Saturday night's 56-7 win over UTSA in Austin.
Ewers, the Heisman Trophy frontrunner, completed a pass to tight end Gunner Helm and then attempted a handoff to Quintrevion Wisner on the next play. Ewers limped away from the play and eventually sat on the turf and called for a trainer.
Ewers eventually got evaluated in the medical tent and headed to the Texas locker room, where he returned to the sideline in street clothes. His night was over.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. celebrate a touchdown during a UTSA game at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Austin. (image)
“We don't know yet how serious it is,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said of Ewers' abdominal injury.
While Ewers was carried off the field, Sarkisian turned to redshirt freshman backup Manning to get the job done against a UTSA team that Texas should have dominated.
That dominance comes straight from the nephew of NFL greats Peyton Manning and Eli Manning.
Arch Manning scores first collegiate touchdown as Texas beats Colorado State in season opener
Manning ended up scoring five total touchdowns in the win, which began with a four-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard touchdown run by DeAndre Moore Jr. for a 21-0 lead. Ewers had two touchdowns and an interception before finishing the game.
Manning then showed off his speed by evading tacklers and running 67 yards on just the second play of Texas' next drive to make the score 28-7.
Manning's magic continued in the second half, as he threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond to start the Longhorns' third quarter, then connected on another deep pass downfield to Ryan Wingo for a 75-yard touchdown pass.
Manning threw just 12 passes but completed 9 of them for 223 yards and four touchdowns, and also ran three times for 53 yards and a score on the ground.
After the game, Sarkisian spoke about Manning's ability to step in and thrive when Ewers is injured.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers after a 56-7 win over UTSA on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. (image)
“It's tough when you have a backup that doesn't have a lot of experience. Arch was our third guy last year,” Sarkisian said. New York Post“There's nothing like playing in a match. It's not easy to play in front of 105,000 people. I'm really proud of the Arch.”
While some have cited Manning's performance as the reason he should continue as the starter, Ewers, a senior projected to be a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and led Texas to the College Football Playoff last season. Barring continued injuries that keep him out of games, Ewers is likely to take over as the starter.
Manning flashed great talent this season despite barely playing in his true freshman season in 2023. He understands his role and is ready to step up if called upon, but knowing that kind of talent is on the horizon will be good for Longhorns fans.
So while everyone is watching tape of Manning's great play against UTSA, he's hoping his teammates are healthy.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning throws a touchdown pass against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. (Scott Wachter – Imag Images)
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“I learned a lot from him,” Manning said. “He was a rock for me. I wish him well.”
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