Steve Sarkisian fires back at question on QB change between Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning

Steve Sarkisian has two healthy quarterbacks once again, but the Texas coach isn’t tipping his hand on how he might play them in this weekend’s massive contest against No. 5 Georgia.

That much he made clear when speaking to reporters on Thursday ahead of the game.

Sarkisian was asked by a reporter what he would need to see in order to make an in-game switch at quarterback and his response was short and to the point.

“I’m not even going to answer that,” Steve Sarkisian said. “I don’t know what the question is. Next question.”

Quinn Ewers returned to action for Texas last week and finished strong in the Red River Rivalry after shaking off the rust in a slow start. He went 20-of-29 passing for 199 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing an interception. He also ran for a score.

It was a quiet afternoon for backup Arch Manning, who filled in admirably for Ewers when the veteran was nursing an oblique injury.

Sarkisian has played his cards close to the vest on how he’ll utilize the two quarterbacks going forward, but prior to the Oklahoma game he did lend a little bit of insight into his thinking on the idea of playing multiple quarterbacks.

“When I was a starter I never wanted the backup coming in the game, even for a play,” Steve Sarkisian said on an SEC teleconference call. “And I remember my senior year of college, I had been banged up and coaches wanted to run a quarterback draw. And they called the play and I scored a touchdown. So I’ve got respect for a guy that’s a starting quarterback and the rhythm that is needed to play with, so no that’s not something I’ve ever entertained.”

That means it could be a long wait for Arch Manning. Or circumstances could dictate otherwise.

Georgia isn’t likely to get many clues ahead of the game.

So far this season Manning has gone 55-of-78 passing for 901 yards and nine touchdowns, against just two interceptions. He’s also run for 82 yards and three touchdowns.