Following a disappointing 30-15 loss to No. 5 Georgia, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that Quinn Ewers will remain the team’s starting quarterback. Despite a shaky performance that led to a mid-game switch to redshirt freshman Arch Manning, Sarkisian’s commitment to Ewers reflects his belief in the player’s potential to lead the Longhorns.
Quarterback Switch in the First Half
During the game, Sarkisian opted to replace Ewers with Manning with 4:42 left in the first half. At that point, Ewers had struggled, completing just 6 of 12 passes for 17 yards, an interception, and a fumble. These mistakes led to 14 points for the Bulldogs, resulting in a 23-0 halftime deficit for Texas.
“Quinn’s our starter,” Sarkisian stated firmly. “We need to improve around him. He would admit he can play better, but we all have to coach and perform better for the offense to thrive.”
Ewers’ Resurgence in the Second Half
Ewers returned to lead the team in the second half, finishing the game with 25 completions on 43 attempts for 211 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and one fumble. Although his stats improved, Ewers made several uncharacteristic errors, including holding onto the ball too long and scrambling unnecessarily.
Sarkisian explained his reasoning for the quarterback switch, noting, “I felt Quinn was a little uneasy. I wanted to give him a chance to regroup. We didn’t know how long Arch would be in, but we thought this could help Quinn clear his head and come back stronger in the second half.”
Injury Concerns for Ewers
The decision to rotate quarterbacks seemed to pay off, as Ewers showed improvement after halftime. Sarkisian expressed gratitude for having a backup like Manning who can step in and create a spark when needed.
Ewers’ shaky first-half performance may have been influenced by a strained oblique injury that sidelined him for two and a half games earlier in the season. He made his return against Oklahoma, where he threw for 199 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. However, the game plan appeared to limit his risk-taking with conservative throws.
On Saturday against Georgia, Ewers faced a formidable defense that had regained its strength, making it difficult for him to find a rhythm. After the game, he acknowledged that he still felt the effects of his earlier injury, stating, “It’s there a little bit, but that’s how injuries go. You tend to feel it, whether it’s in my mind or not. But it’s not a big deal.”
Upcoming Challenges for Texas
Looking ahead, Texas will face Vanderbilt this Saturday before taking its second open week of the season. Following the break, the Longhorns will host Florida on November 9 at DKR-Memorial Stadium.
As the season progresses, the health and performance of Quinn Ewers will be crucial for Texas, especially with Arch Manning waiting in the wings as a capable backup. Sarkisian’s unwavering support for Ewers indicates that the coaching staff believes he has what it takes to lead the team through upcoming challenges.
