Texas QB Arch Manning had a 'strong week' of practice

Redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning will make the first start of his collegiate career this weekend for No. 1 Texas football at home at DKR on Sep. 21 against the UL-Monroe Warhawks. What was originally supposed to be another tune-up game for Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian in non-conference play against ULM has turned into one of the most talked-about matchups around the college football landscape for Week 4.

Texas football QB Arch Manning entering the ULM game after a good week of practice with the first-team offense

Manning was named the starting quarterback by Sarkisian during a Zoom press conference he called on Thursday morning. This news comes after redshirt junior starting quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered an abdominal strain early in the second quarter of last weekend's win over the UTSA Roadrunners.

While the microscope and national media narratives have been running wild regarding the spotlight on Manning's first career start this week, it sounds like he and the coaching staff are doing a great job of blocking out the noise during practice in preparation for ULM on Saturday night.

"I don’t think he has to focus on leading right now. I think he needs to focus on knowing what he’s supposed to do, playing at a high level."

- Steve Sarkisian on Arch Manning

Inside Texas reports that Manning practiced with the first-team offense all during the week leading up to the ULM game, as we expected with him being named the starter while Ewers recovers from the abdominal injury. Manning reportedly had a "strong week" of practice and those in and around the program expect him to have a "good game" this weekend against ULM.

If how effective and impressive Manning was last weekend coming in the game early against UTSA after Ewers was sidelined due to the abdominal strain is any indication of how confident he'll be this week at DKR in primetime, he'll be ready for the task at hand against ULM.

Last weekend, Manning completed 75 percent of his pass attempts for over 220 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and a rushing score that came on an explosive 67-yard outburst in the second quarter. He also didn't turn the ball over a single time last weekend, in an all-around solid performance for Manning.

Manning also has a really talented and experienced supporting cast around him, with one of the best offensive lines in the nation and a very talented receiving corps and backfield to rely on.

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