It’s officially Arch Manning Time in Austin, Texas — but that clock might only have about 30 minutes or so.
The Longhorns quarterback entered the huddle midway through the second half after starter Quinn Ewers suffered an injury to his midsection. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN at halftime that Ewers, who became the Heisman Trophy front-runner this week, suffered a strained abdomen and would miss the rest of Week 3’s game against UTSA.
That meant Manning would get full control of the offense for the second half. Fortunately he seemed more than at home running the show for the remainder of the first half.
After taking over with 13 minutes left in the second quarter and Texas up 14-0, Manning led a four-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that featured a 49-yard pass to Gunnar Helm before a 19-yard strike to DeAndre Moore went for a TD.
OKAYYY @ArchManning & @DeandreMooreJr pic.twitter.com/YVuTRjpd8v
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 15, 2024
UTSA responded with their first score of the game on the ensuing possession to make it 21-7, but it only took one run from Manning to get the points right back. The quarterback scooted down the field untouched for a 67-yard run that left fans in awe.
CAN'T TOUCH HIM @ArchManning pic.twitter.com/65nR57qIR5
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 15, 2024
For those keeping score at home, that’s 3-for-5 passing for 25 yards and a touchdown and three carries for 53 yards and another score in just one quarter.
Then he came out after halftime and did this.
Right on the @ArchManning @_Ryanwingo1 pic.twitter.com/RJYX9ku3At
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 15, 2024
We’ll see what he does the rest of the game, but college fans are already thirsty for more.
Arch Manning is already looking incredible
— Matthew Laskowitz (@MatthewLasko) September 15, 2024
Arch Manning setting his legend.
— Yuie (@YusufYuie) September 15, 2024
A manning that can run is SCARY! https://t.co/ZSvcUoNFhw
— J.O. (@jayo_momt) September 15, 2024
I think a new Manning legacy was born today
— ForeverJoeHess (@ForeverJoeHess) September 15, 2024
A manning that can run the RPO pic.twitter.com/6ZySMxepl2
— ???????????????? (@HuskyJesus) September 15, 2024
A Manning with wheels just feels illegal
— Squeeps (@SqueepsTheGod) September 15, 2024
The Manning family watching Arch Manning right now: pic.twitter.com/PnJoxohVTo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024
Arch Manning's odds to win the Heisman at @BetMGM
+10000 – Before the game
+2000 – Now pic.twitter.com/03Vdrgzw9n
— John Ewing (@johnewing) September 15, 2024
