Nick Saban compares Texas' Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning QB situation to 2017, '18 Alabama teams
Nick Saban knows how the Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning dynamic feels like due to his experience in 2017 and ‘18 at Alabama.
Back then, Saban had two guys by the name of Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, who went on to both be NFL quarterbacks. The dynamic was intriguing then and it’s still intriguing now.
Saban was quite confident in Texas this season managing Ewers and Manning, saying the Longhorns need both guys.
“This kind of goes hand in hand with the Jalen Hurts, Tua situation we had,” Saban said on ESPN College GameDay. “Jalen was 26-2 as a starter, but we played Tua as much as we could, because we knew there was going to be a time when he was going to need to go in the game and win the game, when Jalen Hurts wasn’t available or wasn’t able to.
“So this is exactly what Texas’s situation is, which is very good long term because depth on your team is going to have a significant impact this year with all the games you got to play in the playoffs.”
Hurts was pulled in the national championship against Georgia, with Tagovailoa taking over and winning the game. The following year, Tagovailoa was knocked out of the SEC Championship and Hurts led a second half comeback.
It’s hard to duplicate that type of quarterback ability, but if similar situations arise, Ewers and Manning can both man the Texas ship.
Watch College Football Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW
Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning provide great dynamic at Texas
Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow doesn’t see a controversy at Texas. Ewers is still the guy, but Manning will fill in until the OG starter is back.
“I think Arch has played extremely well, not just well, but excellent to elite,” Tebow told On3. “He really has. He’s done so many things, whether it’s been accuracy or poise, decision making, ball placement, athleticism, so many things well, but with all that said, I do not think there’s a quarterback controversy.
“I think Quinn Ewers is one of the best players in the country. I think he has the legit shot for the Heisman, Texas has a legit shot to be a playoff contender, if not a championship winner. Do they have the best quarterback room in the country? Probably with both of them. Could Arch be an elite quarterback right now? Yes, probably. But I don’t think that you have a controversy.”