Arch Manning is challenging Quinn Ewers’ complacency: What’s the Texas Longhorns’ next move for both?

It was a narrow escape for Texas, but the 27-24 win against Vanderbilt has left more questions than answers for the Longhorns, particularly on the offensive front. Despite leaving Nashville with a victory, the stagnant second-half performance raised serious concerns about Texas‘ ability to compete for a championship, and it could lead to renewed discussions about the quarterback situation.

The Longhorns entered the game as clear favorites, yet their performance told a different story. Leading 14-10 at halftime, Quinn Ewers seemed in control after throwing two impressive touchdown passes, but the offensive flow took a sharp turn in the latter half. Texas managed to score just six points in the second half, all from field goals, and Ewers’ struggles contributed to a tense finish that saw Vanderbilt hanging around until the final whistle.

For head coach Steve Sarkisian, the game was a warning. The Longhorns cannot afford to go conservative, especially in a conference where offensive explosiveness is often the key to success. Ewers finished with 288 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions in the second half allowed Vanderbilt to claw back into the game. While some might attribute those errors to unlucky tip-balls, the inconsistency cannot be ignored.

While much of the spotlight was on Texas, the performance by Vanderbilt shouldn’t go unnoticed. Under coach Clark Lea, the Commodores have shown a resilience that defies their previous reputation as underdogs. They nearly capitalized on Texas’ mistakes, coming close to pulling off an upset. After the game, Lea emphasized that his team is no longer satisfied with close losses, reflecting a shift in mentality that’s been brewing over the past few games. Vanderbilt has already secured five wins this season, including a surprising victory over Alabama, and they have shown they can compete with top teams.

However, Texas‘ inability to put the game away has sparked a critical debate. Can the Longhorns afford another lackluster performance like this, especially if they have their eyes set on a title? With games against top teams still on the schedule, there’s no room for complacency.

Where does this leave Arch Manning?

The underlying question that remains is whether Arch Manning could be the answer to Texas’ offensive issues. Although there wasn’t a need to turn to Manning against Vanderbilt, his presence on the sidelines continues to draw attention. The Texas faithful are beginning to wonder if a change under center could provide the spark the team desperately needs.

After a bye week, Texas is set to face Florida, and Sarkisian has confirmed that Quinn Ewers will start. But with the Longhorns’ offensive woes becoming more evident, there’s no guarantee that Ewers will retain his role if the struggles persist. Sarkisian may soon have to decide whether to stick with the experienced Ewers or gamble on the highly-touted freshman, Arch Manning, who has yet to see significant playing time this season.

Athletic director Chris Del Conte’s reaction after the game said it all. As the final whistle blew, he walked off the field appearing more relieved than celebratory. The narrow win over Vanderbilt was a wake-up call, and unless the Longhorns can address their offensive consistency, they may find themselves in more precarious situations as the season progresses.

With the bye week offering time to regroup, all eyes will be on the quarterback position. Quinn Ewers may have the starting job for now, but the question remains: for how long? If the offense doesn’t turn around soon, Arch Manning might be called upon to step into the spotlight sooner than expected

was a narrow escape for Texas, but the 27-24 win against Vanderbilt has left more questions than answers for the Longhorns, particularly on the offensive front. Despite leaving Nashville with a victory, the stagnant second-half performance raised serious concerns about Texas’ ability to compete for a championship, and it could lead to renewed discussions about the quarterback situation.

The Longhorns entered the game as clear favorites, yet their performance told a different story. Leading 14-10 at halftime, Quinn Ewers seemed in control after throwing two impressive touchdown passes, but the offensive flow took a sharp turn in the latter half. Texas managed to score just six points in the second half, all from field goals, and Ewers’ struggles contributed to a tense finish that saw Vanderbilt hanging around