College Football Fans Are Already Calling For Arch Manning
Quinn Ewers did not make it through two drives in tonight's Cotton Bowl before calls started for Arch Manning on social media.
Ewers has had his share of ups and downs throughout this season for Texas, while Manning, the backup with the legendary quarterbacking pedigree, has played well when called upon. There have been numerous Longhorn fans crying out for Manning to see an increased role during the year, arguing that Texas has a higher ceiling offensively with the second-year passer than the fourth-year junior Ewers.
Through the first two drives in Friday's College Football Playoff semifinal, Ewers went 4-for-7 passing for 65 yards but also took two sacks and looked uncomfortable under Ohio State's pressure.
With the Buckeyes out to an early 7-0 lead and threatening to take control of the game, the "Free Arch" messages began popping up on X/Twitter
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 14: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
"Play Manning Tonight Texas If U Want Any Shot At Winning This Game!!!" rapper Plies tweeted.
"I’d put Arch Manning in. (ducks head)," added 247Sports' Brad Logan.
"I think it might be Arch Manning o’clock in Dallas," said 107.5 The Game's Elijah Campbell.
"Put in Arch Manning, you Austin cowards," a fourth person added.
"Is Arch Manning not as good as advertised or does Quinn Ewers have major dirt on Sarkisian? Trying to figure out why Ewers hasn't been benched yet," a Michigan fan chimed in.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 01: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns scrambles with the ball and runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
To be fair, we've seen Ewers shake off poor plays and bounce back during games before.
In Texas' CFP quarterfinal win over Arizona State on New Year's Day, he threw the game-tying touchdown on fourth down in overtime and the game-winning score in double-OT.
We'll see if the veteran signal caller, who told ESPN's College GameDay earlier today he "expects" to be in the NFL next year, can get things going as tonight's game rolls along.
Texas-Ohio State is being broadcast on ESPN.
