There has never been a point this season when I think Texas coach Steve Sarkisian seriously thought about elevating Arch Manning into the permanent starting QB role. But is now the time?
When Quinn Ewers was injured against UTSA, Manning accounted for five touchdowns in relief. Manning threw for four TDs and had an electrifying 65-yard TD run.
Manning showed off a better arm than Ewers during his time as the starting QB and many national analysts and fans alike wondered if Sark should just make the switch. But when Ewers rushed back from injury, Sark when right back to him in the Oklahoma game.
Even when Sark went to Manning in the second quarter of the first Georgia game, I don’t believe he had any notion about making a permanent switch. But Ewers has struggled since coming back from his oblique injury. He has spurts where he looks like he did against Michigan this season and Alabama in 2023.
Texas has put up over 700 total yards in the last 5 1/2 Quarters and they have 23 points to show for it.
— Kieran (@carebearkieran) December 7, 2024
But this version of Ewers doesn’t look confident. Sometimes his passes look really weak, like he’s lost arm strength. Sark points to Ewers experience in tough moments and big situations. But since the Washington game in last year’s college football playoff, he’s mostly failed in those key spots.
Does Sark not trust Manning? Does he put too much faith in Ewers’ three seasons of experience? Is Ewers still the best choice for a playoff run
Never forget: Texas fans viewed Quinn Ewers as a savior after Sark’s 5-7 first season. Ewers answered, led Texas to first Big 12🏆since 2009 & first-ever CFP appearance. Followed it up w/SEC title game/CFP spot.
Fans now: Quinn Ewers is trash, a liability & needs to go😂
— Taylor Gaspar Estes (@TaylorEstes247) December 8, 2024
The answer to these questions over the next few days will surely keep Sarkisian up at night. It’s starting to look like this team might not have enough on offense to win the national championship. The offense looks as broken and is having trouble finishing off drives against decent defenses.
It seems clear 2024 is Ewers last year at Texas. There have been rumors of entering the draft or transferring to another school next season. My guess is, Ewers will enter the NFL Draft if his grade is high enough. If not, he’ll transfer and make room for Manning.
Sark has been loyal to Ewers. But it is getting harder and harder to defend Ewers as the starting QB. He doesn’t look capable of winning a close game late. If the offense is broken and Manning is the future, switching QBs might be the only way to win it all this year, instead of waiting until next year.
Even if Texas falls flat in the playoff with Manning at the helm, he’ll be more ready for the first game of 2025, which happens to be at Ohio State.