Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Could Arch Manning Have Texas Fans Questioning Quinn Ewers?

Will Quinn Ewers constantly look over his shoulder – and possibly the bench – at Arch Manning?

Staff
Pin
Texas Longhorns quarterbacks Arch Manning (16)
Texas Longhorns quarterbacks Arch Manning (16)

By Rock Westfall

President John F. Kennedy once warned that life is not fair. That assessment potentially pertains to Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. Last year, Ewers enjoyed a breakout season, leading Texas to the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff. Ewers demonstrated why he was one of the most coveted 5-star recruits in recent memory.

At the beginning of his career, Ewers had a reputation as a long-haired, free-spirited mercenary as he spent a year as an odd fit and alien at Ohio State for the bag. Eventually, he got a haircut and attitude adjustment, unleashing an ability that could mean he goes first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

But against a suspect Washington Huskies defense in the College Football Playoff, Ewers was unable to deliver. He was a pedestrian, 24-43 for 318 yards with one TD and a 125.6 rating, far below his season QBR of 162.6.

Next came spring football, where backup Arch Manning got more reps. In the spring game, Manning lit it up going 19-26 for 355 yards and three TDs with one interception.

The media reaction was on a Caitlin Clark level. It was reminiscent of Media Day prior to the College Football Playoff when Ewers, as the successful starter, was totally blown off and ignored for Manning, his backup. Indeed, Manning faced the biggest blitz Texas saw all season that day. The Media stampeded his booth. As Manning faced a fawning full-court football press, it was apropos that Ewers was looking over his shoulder.

The media reaction was no accident and the ultimate tell. If the media and the overwhelming majority of Texas fans had their way, Arch Manning would be the starting quarterback of the Texas Longhorns today, Ewers and his record be damned.

More Sports News

A Good Partnership to be Tested in 2024 

Since Manning’s arrival, he and Ewers quickly developed a strong and friendly relationship based on football and learning the game. Ewers recently confirmed the positive aspects of his friendship with Manning.

“It’s been a good past two years for us, just being able to have him in the quarterback room and us being able to push each other,” Ewers said. “It says in the Bible, ‘Iron sharpens iron.’ So, to have that competitive relationship is good.”

Manning allowed that not all of his days have been fun, but he ultimately sees his career growing.

“There were a lot of tough days, I’m not going to lie,” Manning said last December. “I was never a backup in high school. I’m glad I went through that to help me grow.”

Perhaps nobody appreciates that friendship more than Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. The last thing Sark wants is a quarterback controversy. But try as he might to wish it away, it’s been here and growing since Manning set foot on the Forty Acres.

“These guys are great, great friends. Nobody gets along better,” Sarkisian said. “There’s a real level of appreciation for what each guy is doing. So, in the end, we’re probably going to need both those guys at some point this season.”

Sarkisian is more likely right than wrong about Texas needing both QBs this year. It is rare for a P4 QB to play an entire season without injury, including Ewers a season ago. Thus, what initially looks like a controversy could prove to be a luxury.

Will Media and Fan Demands Ruin the Season?

As Mike Farrell has pointed out, Ewers will face unimaginable pressure in 2024. The Godfather correctly stated that each time he makes a mistake, he will hear the fans demand that Arch Manning be sent in.

The situation is reminiscent of when Spencer Rattler was seemingly ensconced as the starting QB at Oklahoma, only to lose his job to eventual Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Ewers is far better than Rattler, and Manning is unproven to be on the Williams level.  Still, it’s impossible for fans and media to not compare.  

Sarkisian will try to remain firm in keeping Ewers in games during tough times. But the likelihood of unreasonable media and fan demands for Arch Manning will be relentless. Sarkisian’s patience, understanding, and faith in Ewers will be tested beyond reasonable limits. The fact remains that even if Ewers is perfect, the fans still prefer Manning. Again, life is not fair, especially in college football.

Certainly, Manning is learning from Ewers. Ironically, Manning is providing valuable lessons to Ewers, too. In the NFL, quarterbacks are constantly under attack. The NFL adage is that the most popular player on a team is the backup quarterback. In that, Ewers will arrive at The League fully prepared and battle-tested.

Category: , Tag: , , , , ,
Pin

You’ll Also Like