Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers is nearing a return after missing the last two and a half games due to an abdominal strain. Backup Arch Manning has kept the No. 2 Longhorns afloat with wins over UL Monroe and Mississippi State, but Steve Sarkisian has reportedly made a decision for the Longhorns’ next game against the No. 19 Oklahoma Sooners. Following the off week, Ewers is expected to start in the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 12, according to Chip Brown of 247Sports. It will be the junior’s first start since Week 2 against UTSA, the game he ultimately he didn’t finish due to injury.
Sarkisian and the 5-0 Longhorns faced an interesting decision with Ewers on the bench and Manning at the helm of the powerful Texas offense. There wasn’t a notable drop off between the two highly-talented passers, leading to conversations about whether or not Texas should finish out the season as is.
Manning has completed 70.5% of his passes for 900 yards with nine touchdowns to interceptions in four appearances (2 starts) this season. He’s also added another 82 yards and three scores on the ground. What has been a great start to his collegiate career for Manning has seemingly overshadowed Ewers’ stellar play early in the season. He is completing 73.4% of his passes and has thrown for 691 yards with eight touchdowns to two interceptions, lofty numbers for any signal-caller. It seems like Sarkisian and company or relying on the wealth of experience that Ewers has under his belt, though his predecessor has proved to be lethal when given a chance. Texas-Oklahoma is slated for Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET from the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.
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