The question is only getting louder. Is Steve Sarkisian going to start Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning in the playoffs? No. 5 Texas’ second loss to Georgia this season in the SEC Championship game only fueled this debate. The Longhorns signal caller was underwhelming, contributing costly mistakes in the last 16-13 loss against the Bulldogs. And now the focus shifts to the HC who is expected to make a decision for the first-round playoff game. 

Everybody has different opinions on Texas’ QB dilemma. CFB insider Bruce Feldman also gave his thoughts on the situation during his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on December 19. For him, it’s more about who can lead a playoff team as he gives his speculated opinion on their HC’s possible decision. He said, “Sark is around them all the time. I mean to me, this isn’t about who’s the most dynamic dual threat QB. It’s about who gives us the best chance to win.”

Right now, it’s not about who is the most talented QB between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. It’s about who’s “the most ready to lead them to a national title.” And as far as experience goes, the Longhorns third-year starter still holds the crown. This season, he completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 2,666 yards and 25 touchdowns while backup Arch Manning recorded 939 yards and nine touchdowns with a completion rate of 67.8 percent. 

Still, Quinn Ewers had his moments of glory and defeat, marking his inconsistency this season. But it’s his turnover issues that fueled fans to nag Sarkisian for a change in the signal caller. Yahoo Sports Pat Forde said, “It’s a big stage for Quinn Ewers. Sometimes he plays very well, but sometimes he makes major mistakes… He makes some really nice throws, but he also makes bad throws, interceptions, and fumbles.” This concern extends to their upcoming playoff game against Clemson. Can Ewers handle the CFP pressure and pave the national championship path for the Longhorns?

Can Quinn Ewers prove his worth in the first playoff round?

With their No. 5 seed, Texas is set to host No. 12 seed Clemson, the winner of the ACC. The first playoff round between the two teams will be played in Austin at Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Whoever wins this will advance to the playoff quarterfinals to face No. 4 Arizona State, which is going to be another intense matchup if Steve Sarkisian and co. reach that scenario. 

The Clemson matchup means more to Quinn Ewers than other Texas players. He has a personal rivalry with the Tigers’ QB Cade Klubnik who also played alongside Ewers for Texas high school football. This division between them is going to carry the excitement a notch further as both will be determined to prove their worth with the choices they’ve made after HS. 

But the vibe is different. It’s like a homecoming for Klubnik, while Ewers has a crucial need to prove his critics wrong. Besides, it could even be his last season as Texas’ starter, although nothing is set in stone yet.