Sun Sep 15 13:56:04 UTC 2024: ## Manning’s Breakout Performance Sends Heisman Odds Soaring, Ewers’ Status Uncertain
**Austin, TX** – The University of Texas football program is facing a quarterback conundrum after redshirt freshman Arch Manning delivered a stellar performance in relief of injured starter Quinn Ewers. Manning’s impressive debut, which saw him complete nine of 12 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns, including a back-shoulder touchdown on his very first throw, sent his Heisman Trophy odds skyrocketing from +15000 to +1600.
Ewers, who entered the weekend as the Heisman betting favorite at +500, suffered a freak oblique/abdomen injury during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against UTSA. While he later returned to the sideline in street clothes, his availability for the Longhorns’ upcoming games is unclear.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has indicated that Ewers may be rested until the Red River Shootout showdown, allowing the highly-touted Manning to continue leading the offense. “There’s no need to rush him back for the Warhawks or the Bulldogs,” Sarkisian said. “Especially when your backup is balling.”
The Longhorns have two relatively easy games before their bye week and the Red River Shootout. Sarkisian’s decision on whether to ride the hot hand in Manning or give Ewers time to recover could have major implications for the rest of the season.
Manning’s performance has injected a new dynamic into the Longhorns’ quarterback situation and has sparked speculation that Ewers’ starting job could be in jeopardy. Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the future is bright for the Longhorns with both quarterbacks on the roster.
First Piper 