Who will start at QB for Texas against Oklahoma?
The Texas Longhorns are riding high as the No. 1 team in college football, and while it won’t be official until they secure the national championship, fans are feeling optimistic about the phrase “Texas is back.” The Longhorns are well-positioned to make a strong run this season despite facing challenges, including the injury of their starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers.
Quarterback Situation: Ewers vs. Manning
Texas has experienced a successful season so far, including a solid 35-13 victory over Mississippi State in Week 5, followed by a bye week. Now, they face their longtime rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, in the Red River Rivalry. A critical question for the Longhorns is who will start at quarterback for this crucial matchup.
Quinn Ewers is likely to reclaim his starting role once fully healthy. Although backup Arch Manning has stepped in admirably, leading Texas to two wins during Ewers’ absence, Ewers had established himself as the starter prior to his injury.
Recent updates indicate that Ewers is on track to return against Oklahoma. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed optimism about Ewers’ availability, stating, “I thought he looked good coming off the bye. I think if anybody benefitted from the time off, it was probably him. We’re going to monitor him daily just to kind of see how he continues to progress.” Sarkisian noted that if the game were on Monday, Ewers would be listed as the starter.
Injury Background
Ewers suffered a strained oblique in Week 3 during a game against UTSA, which prevented him from finishing the game. Manning stepped in as the starter for the next two games and performed well, but Ewers’ injury is a common one in college football, usually seen in baseball players. This situation has made Ewers’ status somewhat precarious, leading to a week-to-week evaluation.
Player Statistics
Quinn Ewers’ 2024 Stats:
- Games Played: 2.5
- Completions: 58
- Attempts: 79
- Passing Yards: 691
- Passing Touchdowns: 8
- Interceptions: 2
Ewers played effectively in his two and a half games, notably achieving a 52-0 victory over Colorado State and a significant win against Michigan, showcasing his skills as a quarterback.
Arch Manning’s 2024 Stats:
- Games Played: 4
- Completions: 55
- Attempts: 78
- Passing Yards: 901
- Passing Touchdowns: 9
- Interceptions: 2
- Rushing Yards: 82
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Manning has demonstrated his capabilities, especially in the last two games, and has shown he can contribute both in the air and on the ground.
As Texas prepares for their next game against Oklahoma, the anticipation around the quarterback position continues to grow. The return of Ewers could be pivotal for the Longhorns, but Manning’s strong performance has raised expectations for the team’s depth at quarterback. Regardless of who takes the snap, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact in their new SEC landscape.
