Steve Sarkisian happy with Quinn Ewers, using Arch Manning as 'change up' in 17-0 first half vs. Texas A&M

The first 30 minutes of the reborn Lone Star Showdown were good for Texas, with the Longhorns rolling into Kyle Field and commanding a 17-0 lead at the half. And much of that was because of solid play from the quarterback position.

And head coach Steve Sarkisian not only was pleased with the strong play of Quinn Ewers, who dealt with an ankle injury all week, but how backup Arch Manning has played when sprinkled in as a “change up.” At the half, Ewers had a passing touchdown and Manning a rushing touchdown.

“Well I think they’re both playing good football,” Sarkisian said to ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe at the half. “Quinn is moving well in the pocket. He’s taking advantage of some shots downfield. He’s being efficient. And Arch has got a great athleticism, we’re just trying to use him as a little change up.”

At the half, Ewers was 11-for-17 passing for 142 yards and a touchdown. Manning came in and carried the ball twice in the red zone for 17 total yards and the games opening score.

And on the flip side, the Longhorns defense was stout, stifling the Texas A&M attack from the jump, including a first-half takeaway via an interception.

“Well we’re winning on first and second down and then the key to the drill is winning on third down. But that big stop to start and then the turnover was big, as well,” Sarkisian said.

Texas is dealing with a key OL injury on Saturday night

Longhorns star left tackle Kelvin Banks did not come out with the team from the locker room at halftime, a potentially massive loss for the Longhorns going forward against rival Texas A&M.

Banks went down with an apparent injury in the first half and eventually walked off under his own power. He did not return to the game in the first half.

The Longhorns have turned to Trevor Goosby at left tackle while Banks is out, and the backup has held up well against the Aggies so far.

Banks has been a stalwart for the Longhorns, as the junior has started all three years and let up fewer than 10 sacks in his career.