Texas quarterback Arch Manning finally threw his first college touchdown as he got third-quarter snaps against Colorado State in the middle of a Longhorns blowout. On a nifty move, Manning found wide receiver Silas Bolden on a flip pass that went for six late in the third, which predictably sent DKR Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.
As Manning is the most popular backup quarterback in the country, him finally getting a touchdown on his stat sheet is going to undoubtedly excite the Texas fans in attendance.
With Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns blowing out Colorado State in their opening game of the season, head coach Steve Sarkisian decided to give sophomore quarterback Arch Manning some time under center.
Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, didn't disappoint in his first snaps of the new year.
But Manning didn't just find the end zone through the air. He ran for his first rushing touchdown.
With the score 38-0 late in the third quarter, Manning was leading the Longhorns’ offense on third-and-goal from the 5-yard line when he took the snap. As he surveyed the field, he stepped up in the pocket and looked like he was going to try to run it in for the score himself.
However, as he bounced out right, he noticed Silas Bolden all alone near the right sideline. Manning dished a shovel pass Bolden’s way. After making the catch, Bolden dove into the end zone for the score.
Then Manning found himself on the 1-yard line on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter when he took a quarterback sneak right up the gut for a touchdown, Texas’ final score of the day.
Manning was quick to celebrate with his teammates, and the ESPN broadcast had shots of Texas fans in the stands cheering. Some of the fans were holding up banners with Manning’s student ID on it. He infamously lost his ID on campus during his freshman year, and it went viral on social media.
Manning, the five-star recruit out of Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, the same school his father, Cooper Manning, and uncles starred at, saw time in just two Longhorns games last season with Ewers as the team’s starter.
Ewers remains the starter for head coach Steve Sarkisian after opting to return after a College Football Playoff loss to Washington, and he was productive in the win Saturday, going 20-for-27 for 260 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Manning was the Longhorns’ third quarterback on the depth chart last season, but with Maalik Murphy transferring to Duke, he now backs up Ewers.
While Ewers will hold the starting role until we're guessing he declares for the NFL Draft this winter, Manning's day will come for Texas.
Ewers will remain Texas’ starter, but with performances like this, Manning should get more opportunities in blowout situations this season.
Manning may not be starting, but many college football fans are anticipating the time he can start under center for Texas. Many believed he'd leave for another school through the transfer portal.
When it does, good luck getting a ticket for a Texas game.
At the moment, Manning is in line to start for Texas next season with Ewers expected to leave for the NFL after this year.
Manning's First Touchdown: A Look Back at His Journey
Manning entered the game against Colorado State with four minutes to go in the third quarter and the Longhorns leading 38-0. On his first play, Manning rolled to his right and hit Johntay Cook over the middle for a 40-yard catch-and-run. Two plays later, Manning found Oregon State transfer Silas Bolden for a 5-yard touchdown after he scrambled to avoid some pressure.
Manning's Impact on the Game
Manning’s first touchdown was a sign of things to come, and it was a clear indication that he is ready to contribute to the Longhorns’ success. Manning’s performance also showed that he is a versatile quarterback, capable of making plays both in the pocket and outside of it.
The Future of Texas Football
Manning’s first touchdown is just the beginning for the young quarterback. He has all the tools to be a successful quarterback at the college level, and he is already making a significant impact on the Longhorns’ offense. The future is bright for Manning and the Texas Longhorns, and fans are eagerly awaiting the day he takes the reins as the starting quarterback.
