Steve Sarkisian evaluates Arch Manning's practice habits, how he's preparing for Louisiana-Monroe

Steve Sarkisian has yet to name a starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe. However, due to a Quinn Ewers injury, there is a strong chance Arch Manning is the one taking the field for Texas. This would be his first go-round as preparing to be the starter if Ewers is not deemed healthy enough to play.

When asked if Manning has received any reps with the first team, Sarkisian did not exactly address the issue. Sarkisian did evaluate how the redshirt freshman quarterback has looked in practice thus far, complimenting the understanding Manning has of the Texas system. Directly preparing for an opponent is one thing but the baseline knowledge is certainly there for Manning.

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“He’s done a really good job with all the reps that he’s gotten,” Sarkisian said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “I think that Arch has got a really good understanding of what we’re trying to do. Even though we’re putting in a new game plan, I think he understands the premise of the plays that we have in our system.

“Yes, we’re dressing them up and other things but I think he has a good, firm understanding of the premise of those plays. So when he gets in, he can operate them to a pretty high level.”

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Texas is now in the latter half of their week with Wednesday practice taking place in the morning. Sarkisian notes the back end of preparation might be a bit easier for multiple reasons. Not only have players gone through recovery from the previous game but there has been some time looking at what the opponent presents.

Manning — and the entire Texas offense — looks its best of the week thus far according to Sarkisian. A positive sign just a few days ahead of the Longhorns’ final nonconference show before beginning SEC play.

“Naturally, during any game week, the front end of the week is a little more difficult than the back end,” Sarkisian said. “One, you’re a little more sore from last week’s ballgame. Two, you’re looking at a new defense and three, you got new plays coming at you.

“I thought, whether it was Arch or just our offense in general — today was the best day of the week so far. I thought they practiced well and lot of that can be credited to Arch and his understanding of what we’re trying to do and make the throws necessary.”