With the Texas Longhorns now in the College Football Playoff, the stakes are higher than ever. As they gear up for a potential championship run, the question on everyone’s mind is: who should lead the offense—Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning? This decision could be pivotal for Texas as they navigate the intense competition ahead.
Orlovsky’s Bold Stance on Manning
On a recent episode of ‘Get Up,’ former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky shared his thoughts on Texas’ quarterback situation. He believes that for the Longhorns to have a real shot at winning the College Football Playoff, Arch Manning must play a significant role. “I do not think that they can win the whole thing unless Arch Manning plays a decent amount at quarterback,” Orlovsky asserted, emphasizing the importance of having both quarterbacks involved.
Red Zone Strategy: A Game-Changer
Orlovsky’s analysis zeroes in on the red zone, a critical area where teams often struggle to convert opportunities into points. He suggests that Manning’s dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner makes him an ideal candidate for this high-pressure situation. “That’s where I think he has to play. I really believe Texas, in that situation, has to take Quinn Ewers out of the game and put Arch Manning in the game,” he stated.
Why is this so crucial? The Longhorns’ passing game has lacked precision in the red zone. Orlovsky pointed out that while Texas might squeak by teams like Clemson with their current offensive strategy, they won’t stand a chance against stronger opponents if they don’t adapt.
When Should Manning Take the Field?
Orlovsky didn’t hold back in his recommendations. He suggested that Manning should enter the game early, particularly when Texas finds itself in the red zone. “If they’re losing 14-7 at halftime, Arch Manning has to go in the game,” he insisted. The urgency in his voice reflects the high stakes of playoff football—every decision counts.
This raises an important question: How long can Ewers remain the starter if he struggles? Orlovsky believes that at some point, head coach Steve Sarkisian must have the courage to make a change. “At some point, you’ve got to go have the Nick Saban cohones to go make the move,” he said.
Comparing the Quarterbacks
As the debate rages on, let’s take a closer look at the statistics of both quarterbacks. Quinn Ewers has completed 66.2% of his passes this season, averaging 242.3 yards per game with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Those numbers are impressive, but they also raise eyebrows, especially with Manning’s performance in the mix.
Manning, a redshirt freshman, has played in eight games this fall, starting three in September. He boasts a completion rate of 67.8%, throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 100 yards and four more scores. These stats keep Manning in the conversation, especially as Ewers’ play has fluctuated.
The Future of Ewers and Manning
While Ewers has had a solid season, Orlovsky pointed out that he may not be playing at the level needed to secure a top spot in the upcoming NFL Draft. “I don’t think he’s going to get on a heater,” he said. He believes that even if Ewers were to turn things around, it might not be enough to regain first-round draft conversation. “Mel saying second or third round is probably on the high level right now,” Orlovsky added.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that Sarkisian has stood by Ewers throughout the past two seasons, with Manning waiting in the wings. However, in a playoff scenario where every game is a must-win, Orlovsky argues that the quarterback position must be flexible.
Texas: A Boom-or-Bust Team
Orlovsky’s insights extend beyond just the quarterback debate. He highlighted that Texas, along with Ohio State, is one of the few teams in the playoff that could either soar to victory or crash out early. “There’s two teams in the whole playoff that are boom-or-bust. One is Texas,” he explained.
Both teams have the talent to win it all but have also shown inconsistency, particularly on offense. This roller-coaster performance could be their downfall if they don’t find a way to stabilize their play.
The Road Ahead
As the Longhorns prepare for their playoff journey, the quarterback decision looms large. Will Sarkisian stick with Ewers, or will he take the plunge and give Manning a chance to shine? The answer could determine Texas’ fate in the College Football Playoff.
With so much on the line, the Longhorns must harness their potential and make the right choices. As fans, we can only watch and hope that the best decision is made for a team that has the talent to go all the way. The excitement of college football is palpable, and the Longhorns are right in the thick of it. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
