Dan Mullen: Texas has quarterback 'luxury,' not controversy

Texas is turning to sophomore Arch Manning under center against Louisiana-Monroe this weekend as starter Quinn Ewers recovers from an abdominal injury. And while some might think a controversy could unfold, ESPN analyst and former head coach Dan Mullen doesn’t think anything of the sort.

If anything, the emergence of Manning as a more-than-capable backup to Ewers has been a boon for the Longhorns, Mullen said. More time for Manning to get some game reps and get ready for when he might be needed down the line is only a good thing as Ewers gets to full health.

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“Absolutely not a controversy, there is a quarterback luxury in Texas,” Mullen said. “Quinn Ewers is the starter, he will be the starter as he comes back from injury. But in the meantime, they’re in a great situation. Arch Manning, as the backup came in, showed what he could do with hi arm, showed what he could do with his legs. They have a couple weeks until they play Oklahoma. During that time, Arch Manning’s going to have the ability to practice as a starter, play as a starter, continue to improve and grow.”

And with Texas having national championship aspirations, Mullen thinks having basically two starting quarterbacks is far more of a plus than any sort of minus.

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“And as this season goes on, they’re going to have two starting quarterbacks ready to go play and make a championship run this year for the Longhorns,” Mullen said.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t asking too much of Manning

Steve Sarkisian doesn’t need Manning trying to overstep his bounds and getting out over his skis. He just wants him to play clean, good football. From there, the team will begin to follow.

“I don’t think he has to focus on leading right now,” Sarkisian said. “I think he needs to focus on knowing what he’s supposed to do, playing at a high level.”

Sarkisian also noted that the rest of the Texas lineup on offense has plenty of veterans and experience to pick up whatever slack might be left in the leadership department. From a veteran offensive line group to experienced receivers, Manning will have no shortage of experience around him to lean on.

“We’ve got a veteran offensive line in front of him, those guys, they know what it’s about,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got a great leader at tight end in Gunnar Helm. He’s got a couple veteran wide receivers that have played a lot of football on the outside and then he’s got a core of guys that really he came in with or freshman that he’s got really good rapport with.”

And Manning has so far looked good in his limited action, which will only serve to help him win the respect and trust of his teammates as a player and leader if he continues to do his job.

Playing in relief of the injured Ewers against UTSA in Week 3, Manning went 9-of-12 passing for 223 yards and four touchdowns as Texas won in a rout. He also rushed for 53 net yards and a long touchdown.

Sarkisian knows more of that from Manning on the field will do more than enough as he leads by example.

“So, I think the best way he’s going to lead is by doing what he’s done all week which is prepare really well, do his job at a high level and then his natural leadership will come out when it’s supposed to,” Sarkisian said. “But our focus has been on him playing good football and the leadership stuff will come as it comes.”