Arch Manning’s Potential Second Start for Texas Longhorns
As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their SEC opener against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, all eyes are on freshman quarterback Arch Manning, who could be poised for his second career start. With the Longhorns looking to maintain their momentum, Manning’s performance will be crucial, especially in the absence of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Quinn Ewers’ Injury Update
Quinn Ewers, who has been a standout for Texas this season, is "not expected" to play against Mississippi State as he continues to recover from an abdominal injury sustained on September 14 during a dominant 56-7 victory over the UTSA Roadrunners. Ewers returned to practice this week but remains listed as questionable on the availability reports released by the team. ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported that while Ewers is nearly 70% healthy, the coaching staff is prioritizing his full recovery ahead of the highly anticipated Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on October 12.
The Impact of Ewers’ Absence
If Ewers is unable to take the field against Mississippi State, it will mark the seventh game of his career missed due to injury. His absence has not derailed the Longhorns in the past; they have gone 5-1 in games without him. This statistic highlights the depth and resilience of the Texas roster, but it also places significant pressure on Manning to step up in a critical matchup.
Arch Manning’s Performance So Far
In Ewers’ absence, Arch Manning has shown flashes of brilliance. In his first start, he completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions in a commanding 51-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe. Manning’s ability to manage the game and make key plays will be essential as he faces a tougher opponent in Mississippi State.
Coach Sarkisian’s Decision-Making Process
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been closely monitoring Ewers’ progress throughout the week. He emphasized the importance of Ewers demonstrating that he is ready to return to action. "He’s got to do enough to show me he can play," Sarkisian stated, highlighting the need for Ewers to execute the game plan effectively. The coaching staff is committed to ensuring that Ewers is fully healthy before putting him back on the field.
The Road Ahead for Texas
With an open week following the Mississippi State game, the Longhorns have the luxury of allowing Ewers additional recovery time. This strategic decision could prove beneficial as they prepare for the intense rivalry matchup against Oklahoma. Sarkisian has expressed optimism about Ewers’ improvement, stating, "He’s improved every day," and underscoring the team’s commitment to giving him every opportunity to return to form.
Game Day Expectations
As the Longhorns prepare to face Mississippi State, the kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT in Austin. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see how Manning performs in a significant SEC matchup. The stakes are high, and the Longhorns will rely on their young quarterback to lead them to victory while navigating the challenges of SEC play.
Conclusion
The upcoming game against Mississippi State represents a pivotal moment for both Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns. With Ewers’ health still in question, Manning’s ability to step up and deliver could not only impact the outcome of this game but also set the tone for the rest of the season. As the Longhorns aim for a successful SEC debut, all eyes will be on the young quarterback and his potential to shine on a big stage.