Oct 112 min read

Texas vs. OU: Ewers Returns; Is There an Arch Manning Package?

Texas | QBs Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning — © Sara Diggins-Imagn Images via American-Statesman

The No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns (5-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) have a problem most teams would welcome. Call it an embarrassment of riches at the most important position on the field. Texas takes this advantage into the Red River Rivalry game on Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m. EST against the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 1-1) at Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Texas is favored over Oklahoma in the 120th meeting of the storied franchises. The Longhorns have so much talent in the quarterback room with starter Quinn Ewers and backup Arch Manning. Ewers, a Heisman Trophy candidate, returns to the starting lineup after suffering an abdominal injury that forced him to miss two games. But Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian also might have something else up his sleeve in an “Arch Manning package.”

Manning, a redshirt freshman, was one of the most sought-after recruits ever out of high school. He lit up the scoreboard after taking over for Ewers against Texas-San Antonio. He has been superb ever since, rushing for 1 touchdown and passing for 4 more against UTSA. In two starts, Manning posted 901 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Texas vs. Oklahoma: A Storied Rivalry

The Longhorns hold the all-time lead in the series 63-51-5, but the Sooners have made a dent in that record over the last few seasons. Texas has lost 8 of its last 10 meetings against Oklahoma. If Ewers is rusty, then could Sarkisian pull Ewers and play Manning? Perhaps. After all, in the SEC, winning is everything.

Ewers Back as Starter

Sarkisian said during the week that Ewers could start against the Sooners, but it all depended on his progress. On Thursday, Sarkisian made the official call. Ewers, who has thrown for 691 yards and eight TDs on 58-of-79 passing before his injury, is still the best option for the Longhorns, according to Sarkisian. Manning was more than capable in his time filling in for Texas.

Is There an Arch Manning Package?

There isn’t exactly a QB controversy in Austin. The plan was always to sit Manning this year and hand over the reins in 2025. But is a “Manning package” in the cards?

According to the Austin American-Statesman, Sarkisian believes in rhythm too much to entertain the idea. “I've got respect for a guy who's the starting quarterback and the rhythm that's needed to play," he said. "So no, that's not something I've ever entertained."

When it comes to the Red River Rivalry, though, never say never.