Steve Sarkisian addresses how he handles Quinn Ewers criticism, noise on Arch Manning

Plenty of outside chatter about the Texas quarterback situation goes on from the outside. Quinn Ewers receives plenty of criticism, while some ask for Arch Manning to take over the starting role. Steve Sarkisian has recently carved out a role for Manning but made it clear Ewers is the guy.

Sarkisian was asked how he handles the noise surrounding Ewers and Manning, unsurprisingly saying he does not listen at all. The Texas head coach notes how most people commenting on the matter would not be people he asked for advice in the first place. Decisions are made inside the building by Sarkisian himself and his surrounding coaching staff.

“I try to not consume myself with what y’all think,” Sarkisian said via The Rich Eisen Show. “We focus at the task at hand and that’s what’s in the best interest of the team to win ball games. If I let the emotional roller coaster of what other people think, I’d be an emotional nightmare. Because in one aspect, I can read one article that says Quinn is the greatest thing since whomever. Next is, ‘Why don’t you play Arch?’

“You can go back and forth, all the way around, listen to talk radio and watch every show. Or you can focus on the people in your building, keep your head down, make sure that you’re providing the right type of motivation and leadership for them so that they can follow their lead… I’m not really one to buy into the opinions of others or the criticism of others that I would never ask advice from.”

Manning has made appearances in Texas’ past two games, in big-time spots as well. Sarkisian inserted the second-year quarterback on a fourth down in the red zone vs. Texas A&M. The play resulted in a 14-yard touchdown to open the scoring.

Flash forward a week to the SEC Championship game against Georgia, Manning was the first quarterback out there to start overtime. One play resulted in a five-yard rush for him before Ewers was reinserted back into the game.

We have not seen Manning throw a pass in a competitive setting since the first Georgia game in Austin.

Through all the noise and outside criticism, Sarkisian has stuck with Ewers. And will continue to as Texas begins its College Football Playoff run on Dec. 21. Clemson will be coming to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for the five vs. 12-seed matchup.

Sarkisian appears to have faith Ewers can be the guy to lead the program to its first national championship since 2005.