Arch Manning’s run as the Texas Longhorns starting quarterback is coming to an end … at least for now. Manning started the past two games for the Horns in place of the injured Quinn Ewers.
But with Ewers on track to start Red River against the Oklahoma Sooners, Manning will return to his role as backup quarterback. Manning got 10 full quarters under center and got valuable experience in doing so. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has talked about the learning process.
“Hey, learning lessons, right? To think he’d come out and play a perfect game, I don’t think anyone in here thought that. I thought he was going to prepare really well. Work really hard. Do everything he could to play good football. He was going to have some lessons learned and I think that’s what tonight was about.” — Steve Sarkisian after ULM game
“I coached him hard today in-game. We’re always going to continue to push these guys to try to be the best. And I thought there were some things in today’s game that Arch did really, really well. But, I was proud of him. I thought he really responded coming off of last week’s game. And what a luxury, to have a player of his caliber as our backup quarterback.” — Steve Sarkisian after Mississippi State game
One person undoubtedly proud is Arch’s dad Cooper. But not just for what Arch accomplished on the field in those two and a half games this season. Cooper, the son or Archie and brother to both Peyton and Eli, is looking towards next season’s opener. He explains on Golf’s Subpar.
“Selfishly I kind of look ahead to next year. Texas goes… in their opening game they go to Ohio State, in the opening game. So selfishly, I’m glad that he had a few snaps and knows like what it is to start and play a little bit. Because going into Columbus for your first start of your life would probably not be the ideal opener, so I’m glad he has a little gray hair there.” — Cooper Manning
Cooper went on to discuss why Arch chose Texas in the first place.
“When Arch committed to Texas, they were coming off a 5 and 7 season. I think a big reason why he liked Texas is they have a great history and had a new coach coming. Kind of a new program feel and knew they had the potential to be great. The idea of being a part of something and growing it. He love the way Sark runs a program and play calling. And also, not having to come in there and be ‘the guy.’ Go ahead and learn, get better so when your number is called you’re ready to go in there and perform and play well.” — Cooper Manning