Steve Sarkisian is the happiest person in the country, so why wouldn’t he be? He has a team with a 5-0 record. However, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers missed his second straight game this season. Fortunately for Sarkisian, Arch Manning has been an able deputy. His crucial contribution helped the Longhorns secure a 35-15 win over Mississippi State. He completed 26 out of 31 passes in his second game in 2024. Although Texas has won all five games so far, they still have plenty of football to play, and all the eyes are now on their quarterback situation.
Most importantly, Quinn Ewers’s chances in the NFL draft might hamper the chances of a rising star Arch Manning. Since Ewers is out of the field, Manning has taken center stage and shown his skills and potential. Chad Johnson, a former NFL player, shed light on how Ewers’s value in the NFL might impact the young talent position and chances at Texas.
“I think you really can’t go; you can’t go wrong either way. I think Quinn is a senior, isn’t he? Quinn is, yes, and he came back. You know that would greatly impact this draft stop, right? If he’s not exactly, that’s why I think when he does come back and he’s healthy, I think they will put him back in simply because he is a senior. Hell, little brother Manning, go; he’s going to be here for another year. Maybe two, so let Quinn finish his year out, and uh, so it doesn’t mess up in draft stock, but I’m excited.” Ocho said.
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Although both quarterbacks have unique situations. One is in trouble because of the injury; at the same time, he is at a crucial point in his career to enhance his NFL draft stock. Meanwhile, Manning has a golden opportunity to showcase his potential and passion for the game. He is not yet eligible for the draft.
In their Week 5 game, Texas dominated Mississippi State since the start, but their running average improved significantly in the second half. In the first half, they only gained 10 rushing yards. But they bounced back in the second and managed to rack up 129 yards with the help of Tre Wisner, Jaydon Blue, and Arch Manning. The improvement in the running game provided balance to the Longhorns offense; ultimately, they rushed for 237 yards in the second half.
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RG III praises Arch Manning’s calm personality
Arch Manning comes from an athletic family, and quarterbacking runs in the Manning family. He is the nephew of popular NFL QB Eli and Peyton Manning; following their footsteps, he is now building his own path in the world of football.
First Manning led Texas to a 51-3 victory over Louisiana-Monroe. But facing Mississippi State was a real challenge as Texas played their first SEC game. Even with a slow start, the Longhorns registered their fifth victory, and Manning played the most important role.
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Experts are appreciating the new talent; the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL QB Robert Griffin III joined the conversation and pointed out what makes Manning standout after two games. For him, his clam, confidence, and growing skills at reading the game standout.
Manning is different from other players; he has great responsibilities to carry forward the family legacy. According to the NCAA, he might not start against Oklahoma next Saturday. But if this was his last game in the 2024 season, he has already shown his capability and what he can do if he gets more chances next season.