Arch Manning to Start for No. 1 Texas Against Mississippi State in SEC Opener

In a significant development for the Texas Longhorns, redshirt freshman Arch Manning is set to start against Mississippi State in the team's SEC opener on Saturday. This decision comes as starting quarterback Quinn Ewers is not expected to play due to an ongoing oblique injury he sustained against UTSA on September 14.

Ewers, who has been listed as week-to-week since the injury, practiced at nearly 70 percent capacity this week but was limited to ensure he fully recovers. The Texas coaching staff has opted to give Ewers extra rest, utilizing the upcoming bye week to ensure he returns at full strength for the crucial game against Oklahoma on October 12.

Arch Manning's Previous Performance

Arch Manning made his first start for the Longhorns last week against Louisiana Monroe, completing 15-of-29 passes for 258 yards, with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Despite some mistakes, Manning showed promise, particularly with his deep ball passing, which has been highlighted by Texas coach Steve Sarkisian as a key strength.

Manning's performance, though not perfect, was seen as a learning experience. Sarkisian noted that Manning was sometimes 'greedy' with his decision-making but emphasized that these are lessons he will learn from as he grows as a quarterback.

Mississippi State's Current Form

Mississippi State enters the game on a three-game losing streak, including back-to-back blowout home losses to Toledo and Florida. The Bulldogs are struggling significantly, particularly on defense, ranking No. 111 nationally in total defense and No. 107 in scoring defense. They will also be without their starting quarterback, Blake Shapen, who is out for the year with a shoulder injury. True freshman Michael Van Buren will make his first career start for the Bulldogs.

The matchup between No. 1 Texas and Mississippi State is scheduled to kick off at 3:15 PM CT on the SEC Network. With Mississippi State's current form and Texas's cautious approach to Ewers' injury, the stage is set for an interesting SEC opener.