Texas Longhorns Face SEC Championship Dilemma: Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning?
As the Texas Longhorns prepare to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game, a crucial question lingers: who should start at quarterback? Quinn Ewers, the third-year starter, has been a steady presence for the Longhorns, but his limitations as a dual-threat quarterback were exposed in their earlier loss to Georgia. Meanwhile, Arch Manning, the talented freshman, has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, sparking debate about whether he should take the reins on Saturday.
Fox analyst Joel Klatt believes that Manning might be the better option, citing his ability to change the complexity of the offense. Klatt acknowledges that Ewers is an accurate and steady quarterback, but notes that Manning’s inexperience might be outweighed by his potential to make plays. The comparison to Alabama’s Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa is apt, as both quarterbacks brought different strengths to the table.
The Longhorns’ earlier loss to Georgia highlighted the need for a more dynamic offense. The Bulldogs’ defense recorded seven sacks on Ewers and Manning, who saw limited action. However, Manning’s appearance in the regular-season finale as a wildcat quarterback showed promise, and his ability to make plays with his legs could be a game-changer against Georgia’s stout defense.
Ultimately, the decision to start Ewers or Manning will depend on the Longhorns’ game plan and their ability to adjust to Georgia’s defense. If Ewers struggles early, it’s likely that Manning will see action. The Longhorns’ running backs and offensive line will also need to step up their performance to support either quarterback.
As the Longhorns seek to avenge their earlier loss and clinch a top-four seed in the College Football Playoff, the quarterback dilemma will be a key storyline to watch. Will Texas stick with the steady Ewers, or will they roll the dice with the talented but inexperienced Manning? Only time will tell.
