A pivotal moment in Friday’s Cotton Bowl between the No. 5 Texas Longhorns and No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes sparked intense debate when backup quarterback Arch Manning briefly entered the game before halftime at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The anticipation surrounding Manning’s performance was palpable, especially given the high stakes of the semifinal matchup.
Texas’ quarterback dilemma
The Longhorns faced a critical decision at quarterback, with many fans and analysts questioning whether starter Quinn Ewers was the right choice. Paul Finebaum, a well-known college football analyst, urged Texas coach Steve Sarkisian to give more playing time to Manning, suggesting that the offense needed a spark. “I think he must play Arch more to get that offense moving,” Finebaum stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Controversial call and game implications
Manning, the 19-year-old freshman, rushed for what officials ruled a first down, though replay footage suggested he might have lost control of the ball before being ruled down. This controversial call allowed Texas to maintain possession, leading to Ewers’ return and a game-tying 17-yard touchdown pass to Jaydon Blue. The sequence not only shifted momentum but also ignited a flurry of reactions on social media regarding the quarterback dynamic between Manning and Ewers.
Turning point in the game
However, late in the fourth quarter, the game took a dramatic turn. Ewers was hit by Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer, who scooped up the ball after Ewers dropped it for a pick-six, all but sealing the Longhorns’ fate. This play underscored the pressure on Ewers and raised further questions about whether Manning should have been given more opportunities to lead the offense.
Memes and social media reactions
The aftermath of the game saw a surge of memes and social media commentary, particularly on X/Twitter. Fans were quick to express their thoughts on the quarterback situation, with many highlighting Manning’s potential. Here are some of the most viral memes that captured fans’ attention:
Top 10 Arch Manning memes cracking up the internet after Quinn Ewers fumbles in Cotton Bowl
#1. A cartoon depicting Manning observantly watching Ewers return to the bench after each drive.
#2. Texas fans’ overconfident reactions suggest Manning’s superiority over Ewers.
#3. A Khaby Lame-style meme showing Manning’s weekly view from the bench.
#4. Ewers’ halftime reaction when Manning temporarily replaced him.
#5. Manning’s visible responses to Ewers’ first-half performance.
#6. Celebrations highlighting Texas scoring during Manning’s sole drive.
#7. A celebrity-style meme predicting the end of Ewers’ Texas career.
#8. A Tom Brady comparison mocking fan expectations of Manning.
#9. Fans’ frustration watching Ewers’ red-zone fumble while Manning remained sidelined.
#10. Sports analysts confidently declaring “Manning is here.”
Debate over the fumble call
The debate intensified when video footage emerged showing significant contact during Manning’s run, with many arguing it should have been ruled a fumble despite the officials’ on-field call. This incident not only fueled discussions about officiating but also added to the narrative surrounding the quarterback competition at Texas.
Game outcome and future implications
In the end, the Longhorns lost the Cotton Bowl 28-14 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The defeat raised questions about the future of the Texas football program and the quarterback position. The Buckeyes advanced to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish next in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game after they defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24 in Thursday’s semifinal.
The Cotton Bowl showcased the complexities of college football, where a single play can ignite passionate debates and shape the future of a program. As fans and analysts reflect on the game, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Arch Manning and his potential to lead Texas in the coming seasons. With so much at stake, the question remains: will the Longhorns find a way to harness Manning’s talent and turn the tide in their favor?
