Sun Sep 15 00:52:48 UTC 2024: ## Manning Shines as Texas Crushes UTSA, Ewers Injured
**Austin, TX** – Arch Manning, the highly-touted backup quarterback for the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns, stepped into the spotlight Saturday night, leading the Longhorns to a dominant 56-7 victory over UTSA. Manning took over for the injured starting quarterback Quinn Ewers, who suffered an oblique strain in the second quarter.
Manning, the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning, put on a dazzling performance, throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns while adding a 67-yard rushing touchdown. The redshirt freshman’s speed was on full display as he evaded defenders and found the endzone with ease, showcasing his potential for the Longhorns.
Ewers, who had been the consensus favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, left the game in the second quarter after appearing to suffer the injury on a pass play. While the severity of the injury is still unknown, head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that nothing appears to be broken.
“I think Quinn’s in pretty good spirits,” Sarkisian said. “He was playing such good football. My hope is this isn’t a long-term thing, that we’ll get him back, because we need as many healthy good players as we can get.”
Ewers has been prone to injuries throughout his career, previously missing games due to shoulder and SC joint issues. His return to the field remains unclear.
Meanwhile, Manning’s performance has thrust him into the spotlight. His Heisman Trophy odds shortened dramatically from 150-1 to 16-1 following his impressive showing.
The Longhorns’ offense continued to be a force even without Ewers, racking up 614 total yards on 9.2 yards per play. Manning led the charge, connecting with receivers Isaiah Bond, Ryan Wingo, and Johntay Cook II for touchdown passes.
Texas now enters the SEC portion of their schedule, facing Mississippi State on Sept. 28. The Longhorns will be hoping for Ewers’ return, but Manning has proven he’s more than capable of stepping up in his absence.
First Piper 