The No. 5 Texas Longhorns (11-2) are gearing up to face the No. 12 Clemson Tigers (10-3) at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
With the stakes at an all-time high, questions surrounding quarterback Quinn Ewers loom large as Texas seeks to extend its season.
Despite an impressive record, the Longhorns’ season has been marked by challenges, particularly regarding Ewers’ performance.
The quarterback entered the season as one of the sport’s most highly anticipated players but has faced adversity due to an early injury and inconsistent play.
The situation has been further complicated by the emergence of backup Arch Manning, whose mobility and electrifying play have sparked calls from fans for a change under center.
Joel Klatt of FOX Sports addressed the controversy on a recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show, suggesting that head coach Steve Sarkisian may need to consider benching Ewers if he struggles against Clemson.
“Texas’ offense would be better with Arch Manning,” Klatt said. “I know that that’s hyperbolic. I candidly hate saying that but I do think it’s the case. And it’s the case because when Ewers doesn’t have mobility and he hasn’t had it with the lack of mobility in terms of that ankle injury.
“He can’t scamper for first downs. There is an immense amount of pressure on Steve Sarkisian to scheme guys open. We’ve seen that against Georgia both times they played them. Georgia is fast enough and well-coached enough to take that away.â
Klatt added that Sarkisian is likely to craft a strong game plan to maximize Ewers’ potential, but time is a luxury they can’t afford in a single-elimination playoff setting.
âI do think Quinn is going to have a short leash,â Klatt continued. âI think of Tua with Jalen Hurts, and I think this is it. Youâve got to win this game to move on. Thereâs no other game after this.
“So how quick is leash if Quinn is not playing well? If heâs not seeing it? Like that first outing against Georgia. Will we see Arch Manning? Possibly. And I actually think theyâre a more dynamic offense (with Manning).â
Sarkisian has expressed unwavering confidence in Ewers throughout the season, but the pressure of a win-or-go-home playoff scenario could test that resolve.
If Ewers fails to deliver against a formidable Clemson defense, the calls for Manning may become unavoidable.
Such a move could also fuel speculation about Ewers’ future at Texas.
Transfer portal rumors have already begun to swirl, and a mid-game benching in a playoff showdown could signal the end of his tenure as the Longhorns’ starter. (That’s assuming he doesn’t enter the NFL draft.)
As Texas prepares for its most pivotal game of the season, all eyes will be on Ewers to see if he can rise to the occasion or if the Longhorns turn to Manning to keep their championship hopes alive.
It will be fascinating to see how Sarkisian reacts if Ewers struggles early.
Could Sark’s loyalty to Ewers potentially doom the Longhorns’ season???
