Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Quinn Ewers over Arch Manning was bold but paid dividends as the Longhorns advanced in the expanded College Football Playoff.

On Tuesday, Texas secured a stunning 39-31 overtime win over Arizona State. Ewers starred for Texas, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns with an interception in the epic victory.

On third-and-goal in the fourth quarter, Sarkisian’s faith in Ewers paid off in immediate contrast to ESPN commentator Jesse Palmer’s comments. With Texas looking to get into the end zone, Palmer said: “You know who we haven't seen in this game is Arch Manning for Texas.

“Usually it's these sorts of situations down here in the red zone, short yardage, goal line, that they like to take advantage of their backup quarterback's athleticism and legs. But doesn't have his number called so far.”

Throughout the season, Ewers has battled through injury and struggles with form with Manning, due to both his play and name gravitas, breathing down his neck. Manning’s dual-threat ability adds another layer to the Texas offense, but Sarkisian has resisted calls to permanently insert him in the lineup ahead of the more experienced Ewers.

Sarkisian’s faith was rewarded against Arizona, with Ewers scoring moments after Palmer’s comments. Then, on fourth-and-13, the quarterback forced a second overtime with a 28-yard touchdown strike to Matthew Golden that saved the season for Texas.

Ultimately, Texas clinched victory - and Sarkisian was thrilled. He told reporters: “The one thing that I know about our group is when our backs are against the wall and when our best is needed, our best shows up time and time again. The resiliency that these guys showed today was something that as a coach makes you really proud.”

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Quinn Ewers inspired Texas to victory, with the Longhorns doing enough to hold off the Arizona State comeback (
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Following the win over Arizona State, analyst Josh Pate acknowledged that while he has questioned the lack of use of Manning, he credits Sarkisian for his loyalty to Ewers. On the latest episode of 'Josh Pate’s College Football Show,' Pate said: “I have questioned the lack of use of Arch Manning, but there's a reason Sark's loyal to that guy.

“He thinks he gives him the best chance to win and I will guarantee you, Sark's probably sitting there thinking I have one guy I would trust to make that throw and it's the guy who just made the throw. So, he needed it, they needed every bit of it.”

Ewers’ future remains cloudy. The 21-year-old could still declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly if he improves his stock in the final few College Football Playoff games. However, Ewers could also hit the transfer portal amid speculation a program is prepared to pay $6 million in NIL money to land him.

Ewers and the Longhorns are in playoff action against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 10.

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