Could Texas Longhorns Play Both Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning on Saturday?

Maalik Murphy is starting for the Texas Longhorns on Saturday against the BYU Cougars, but could Arch Manning still see the field?

Things may not be as simple as we thought regarding the Texas Longhorns starting quarterback job against the BYU Cougars on Saturday.

Maalik Murphy is the starter for the Longhorns, as head coach Steve Sarkisian announced on Thursday during his press conference. 

That said, he has not decided one way or the other if Manning will get on the field on Saturday. He does, however, see the value in Manning getting some game-time experience.

“Maalik’s going to start the game and go play in this game,” Sarkisian said. “I haven’t made a decision if I want to get Arch in there just to get him in there or not. We have discussed that some because I do think there’s some valuable experience for him in that. But, I have to make sure that’s in the best interest of the team.”

In other words, despite Murphy getting the nod as the starter, a possibility does remain of Manning getting snaps one way or another on Saturday.

QB Maalik Murphy (left) and Arch Manning (right) / USA TODAY

Earlier this week, On3's Gerry Hamilton expressed the possibility that the Longhorns would play both Murphy and Manning against the BYU on Saturday.

"I expect Maalik to be the starting quarterback pending, you know, something unexpected happening," Hamilton said. "I’ll be surprised if both guys don’t play Saturday, though.”

One of the Longhorns' greatest advantages is Texas' stacked quarterback room. There is no doubt that both offensive leaders will be prepared to take the field on Saturday.

Hamilton has confidence in both Murphy's and Manning's preparation for whatever obstacles the season throws at them. After all, while Murphy has been the primary backup on gameday, both have seen substantial reps with the second team throughout this season in practice. 

As "stacking wins" is of the utmost importance to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, Hamilton believes that the Longhorns' best shot at completing that goal is to make sure both backup quarterbacks are ready for game time. 

"You’re 6-1, ranked (No. 7) in the country," Hamilton said. "The objective is to win games. And the way you give yourself the best chance to win games right now is, both those guys have to be prepared to play.”

The Longhorns and the Cougars will kick off at 2:30 Saturday afternoon in Austin, with either both of the Longhorns backup QBs ready for whatever happens.