Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is ready for another high-stakes SEC moment. According to On3 CFB reporter Chris Low, Manning will be starting on Saturday against the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores in Austin. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed the news to Low.
Manning’s status has been the biggest storyline of the week after he exited last Saturday’s overtime win at Mississippi State due to a concussion. Senior quarterback Matthew Caldwell stepped in and finished the comeback with the game-winning touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V. However, it was Manning’s poise during the comeback that truly stood out.
Texas has now won three straight games to keep its conference title hopes alive, and Manning’s Week 9 performance felt like a turning point. When he’s rolling, the Longhorns can open up the field with explosive targets like Ryan Wingo, who posted 184 receiving yards against the Bulldogs. Wingo’s performance has given Steve Sarkisian the vertical attack the offense has been searching for.
If anything sets this offense up to thrive against a tough Vanderbilt defense, it’s having Manning back under center. Reports from Sports Illustrated and ESPN throughout the week echoed the optimism, noting that Manning returned to practice and progressed through concussion protocols without setbacks.
Vanderbilt’s defense has earned national respect, and Texas cannot afford a sluggish start at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. If Manning picks up where he left off, Texas can dictate the pace, stretch the field, and allow the defense to pressure Vanderbilt into mistakes. Running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter will also provide support in a more controlled game plan.
Texas doesn’t need Manning to be perfect; it just needs the confident playmaker who threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns before last week’s injury. That version of Manning gives the Longhorns a real shot to keep their SEC climb alive.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/texas-footballs-arch-manning-start-vs-vanderbilt-steve-sarkisian
