Freshman quarterback Arch Manning made his anticipated Texas debut Friday as the Longhorns defeated Texas Tech 57-7. Here’s what you need to know:
- He entered the game for Quinn Ewers with Texas leading 50-7 late in the third quarter.
- Manning, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2023 and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, went 2-of-5 passing for 30 yards and rushed for seven yards.
- The Longhorns secured their first Big 12 championship berth since 2018 with the win.
Evaluating Manning’s debut
Manning’s long-awaited debut was well received from the home crowd. Texas fans cheered loudly when he entered the game and when the Longhorns faced a fourth-and-goal at the 6-yard line, the crowd enthusiastically encouraged coach Steve Sarkisian to go for it. Sarkisian obliged, although Manning’s pass to Johntay Cook II went off the receiver’s hands and resulted a turnover on downs.
Advertisement
It wasn’t a perfect debut — Manning dropped a shotgun snap that resulted in a 10-yard loss in the red zone — but he flashed his athleticism on his scrambles, showed he can throw on the run and displayed substantial velocity on his passes.
His second and final drive of the game was mostly run-heavy given Texas’ large lead, but Manning operated the offense smoothly, completing two of his three pass attempts. Texas marched 91 yards in 13 plays, capped by a 10-yard touchdown run by freshman running back Tre Wisner. — Sam Khan Jr., senior college football writer
Why Manning entered
Redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy has been Texas’ backup quarterback this season but Sarkisian said after the game that he suffered an injury on the sideline during Keilan Robinson’s 95-yard kickoff return touchdown to open the third quarter. Murphy was “caught watching,” on the sideline and suffered an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Sarkisian said.
But Sarkisian wanted to get Manning some experience this season. He hoped to do so in the season opener against Rice, but time ran short at the end of that game. When starting quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered a shoulder injury, some wondered if Manning might find his way into the lineup then, but Sarkisian stuck with Murphy.
Sarkisian has been deliberate in bringing Manning along but has also praised the work he did in practice all season. Manning didn’t look overwhelmed in his time out there on Friday night. — Khan
Clinching Big 12 championship berth
This is a huge moment for the Longhorns. Texas (11-1) surpassed 10 wins in a season for the first time since 2009 and is in the Big 12 championship for the first time since 2018.
Winning in dominant fashion was important and much-needed for the Longhorns, who have had their fair share of close calls this season. They played dominant defense and great on special teams and put forth what Sarkisian called “a total team effort.”
Advertisement
The Longhorns will learn who their opponent is in the conference title game on Saturday, but will be the favorite no matter who they play. And the win keeps Texas’ College Football Playoff hopes alive as well.
“We’re not done,” Sarkisian said after Friday’s win. “We’ve got one more. … The mission is not complete.” — Khan
GO DEEPER
Khan: There's no denying Texas' progress under Steve Sarkisian now
Backstory
Manning committed to Texas in June 2022 after taking official visits to Georgia and Alabama. He joined Vince Young (2002) as the only No. 1 overall prospect in their recruiting class to sign with Texas since the 247Sports Composite debuted in 2000.
The 18-year-old finished his high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, breaking Eli’s record for career passing yards and Peyton’s record for career passing touchdowns. He racked up 8,599 passing yards, 115 passing touchdowns and 20 interceptions. As a senior, Manning threw for 2,315 yards, 34 touchdowns and two interceptions as Newman played arguably its most difficult nonconference schedule in school history.
In October 2022, Manning enrolled early at Texas.
Required reading
(Photo: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
ncG1vNJzZmismJqutbTLnquim16YvK57lGlvcWpgaHxzfJFsZmppX2eBcK3RnJ9mpZGju6q6xmarnrCRqHqlscGuq2g%3D