Paul Finebaum Speculates On Why Arch Manning Is Not Starting At Texas

Manning got his opportunity after Ewers suffered an injury earlier this year. Manning replaced an injured Ewers against UTSA and then started the next two games. During that stretch, he completed 69.4% of his passes, throwing for 806 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Since his return, Ewers has encountered some challenges. He has completed 66.1% of his passes for 1,207 yards, throwing 12 touchdowns and four interceptions across five games. In the three games leading up to his injury, he performed better, completing 73.4% of his passes for 691 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Ewers' struggles have made some Texas fans question whether it’s time to switch to Manning. However, Paul Finebaum said on his show, the "Paul Finebaum Show," that he believes Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian will continue to stick with Ewers.

"He's sticking with him because Texas right now is the No. 3 team in the country," Finebaum said. "He clearly believes that Ewers is better than Arch Manning."

Ewers was benched in favor of Manning during his worst game of the season against the No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs (8-2). In that game, Ewers completed 58.1% of his passes for 211 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Manning came in briefly just before halftime, with the Longhorns trailing 20-0. He completed 3-of-6 passes for 19 yards, but his fumble with 25 seconds left in the half allowed Georgia to kick a field goal, increasing their lead to 23-0. The Bulldogs ultimately won 30-15.

Finebaum believes the Manning era won't start this season, but if Manning's performance this year is any indication, the future looks bright for the Longhorns.