The debate surrounding Quinn Ewers’ injury struggles and Steve Sarkisian’s continued reliance on him over Arch Manning has sparked plenty of discussion among Texas fans and analysts. Paul Finebaum’s take, suggesting that Ewers should be kept on a short leash due to his injury history and inconsistent performance, is certainly valid. Ewers has been dealing with injuries since last season, and his performance in the SEC title game, where he threw 2 interceptions and took 6 sacks, raised concerns about his ability to lead Texas through tough games.
On the other hand, Steve Sarkisian’s loyalty to Ewers seems driven by his belief in Ewers’ overall potential, despite his injuries. Ewers’ performances, including his solid stats earlier in the season, showed that he could carry the team in key moments. However, it’s clear that his injuries have hampered his consistency, which could make this a risky strategy, especially with the College Football Playoff on the line.
Arch Manning, with his high-profile potential and impressive performances in limited action, is certainly a strong backup. He has the talent to step in if needed, and it’s hard not to wonder if Sark should take a more flexible approach—relying on Manning to help secure a national championship run if Ewers is too banged up.
The reality is that Texas might be risking a lot by sticking with an injured Ewers. If he falters against Clemson, as Finebaum suggested, it could cost them a crucial playoff spot. Manning’s time may come sooner than expected, and Sark will have to make the call. While it might seem safer to trust the seasoned Ewers, if his injury continues to affect his play, Texas fans could very well be calling for Manning to lead the team to glory.