Steve Sarkisian might have believed he had his quarterback situation under control, but discussions are heating up about whether Quinn Ewers should be benched in favor of Arch Manning. Ewers recently had a shaky performance against Arizona State, though it wasn’t as catastrophic as the earlier loss to Georgia. Regardless, the timing couldn’t be worse, as Texas is set to face Ohio State, a team that just dismantled Oregon’s playoff dreams with dominant performances on both sides of the ball. The pressure is mounting on Ewers, and with Manning waiting for his chance, Sarkisian faces a tough decision.
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Ohio State’s recent success isn’t just about offensive firepower; their defense has been a force to reckon with. Against Oregon, they showcased their dominance with eight sacks and held the Ducks to -23 rushing yards, a defensive masterclass that made a statement. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has also been a standout performer, making explosive plays like his 45-yard touchdown on the third play of the game. The Buckeyes’ combination of an aggressive defense and a dynamic offense is creating nightmares for their opponents, and Texas could be next.
College football analyst Adam Breneman highlighted Ohio State’s resurgence on defense, calling it a return to their “silver bullet” form. He noted the Buckeyes’ ability to pressure quarterbacks, referencing their eight sacks against Oregon and Dillon Gabriel’s struggles to navigate their relentless pass rush. Texas will need to adjust quickly, particularly in their run game, which has been underwhelming, managing just 53 rushing yards in their recent game. Against a defense as disciplined as Ohio State’s, the Longhorns will need a more balanced attack to avoid a similar fate.
Quinn Ewers’ inconsistency is now under scrutiny. In Texas’ narrow 39-31 victory over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, Ewers threw a costly interception that allowed the Sun Devils to gain momentum. Despite redeeming himself with two touchdown passes in overtime and finishing with 320 passing yards, his mistakes have raised concerns about his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Facing Ohio State, those errors could prove catastrophic.
The debate over starting Arch Manning adds another layer of intrigue. While Manning is an exciting prospect, his lack of experience could make him vulnerable against a defense as formidable as Ohio State’s. Comparisons to Georgia’s bold decision to start a backup quarterback in a playoff game highlight the potential risks and rewards of such a move. Manning may have more talent than Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, but throwing him into a high-stakes game could have unpredictable consequences for both him and the team.
The stakes are high for both teams as the college football season approaches its climax. Texas must contend with the immense challenge of defeating an Ohio State team that is firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are chasing their first national title since 2014, fueled by their relentless defense and explosive playmakers. For Sarkisian and the Longhorns, the decision to stick with Ewers or take a gamble on Manning could define their season. As the showdown approaches, one thing is certain: the stage is set for an intense and unforgettable battle.