Now armed with the news that they are the No. 1 team in the Associated Press poll and No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, the Texas Longhorns will close out nonconference play with a home game against Louisiana-Monroe.
However, they will take the field without starting quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is sidelined with a strained oblique. Enter Arch Manning, a redshirt freshman who exploded for five touchdowns in relief in the 56-7 win over UTSA.
Entering Week 4 of college football, here are five questions that are on my mind concerning Texas versus Louisiana-Monroe and other national matchups:
How will Arch Manning perform in his first college start?
He won’t be as spectacular as in that five-touchdown blowout against UTSA, but Manning will give the fans a great show. Expect him to complete 16 of 23 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers along with rushing for 30 yards and a short TD in a 62-7 win.
No one ever wants to see a QB get hurt, but this is a great opportunity for Manning to grow in the position. He has always prepared like a starter, but he’s actually getting the chance to be the guy.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian was never going to play Quinn Ewers in this one because he has the best backup quarterback in the country.
Manning will get his work done in 3½ quarters, and freshman Trey Owens will take over and get some nice reps.
Manning is that good, and he’s only going to get better.
MORE CED: Why the Texas defense is flying around like hungry dogs | Golden
Name a Longhorn who will score his first touchdown of the season
Welcome to the end zone, Amari Niblack. The Horns have pass catchers for days, and targets haven’t been plentiful for Niblack, the Alabama transfer playing behind Gunnar Helm (who has had an All-America start to his senior season).
Niblack will catch a 15-yarder over…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-burning-college-football-questions-233125502.html
Author : Austin American-Statesman
Publish date : 2024-09-20 23:31:25
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