Texas Fans Furious Arch Manning Didn't Play vs. Rice

Despite blowing out Rice in Week 1 Arch Manning did not make his debut

Texas finds themselves in the midst of another quarterback controversy, and it's not about who the starting quarterback (yet).

In their Week 1 blowout of Rice, which saw many questioning if Quinn Ewers was rusty or if the preseason hype was misleading. The Longhorns were still able to get some reserves some playing time.

While we finally learned who the backup to Ewers is in Maalik Murphy, there was still disappointment amongst fans. Not because they don't support Murphy, who is a behemoth with one of the biggest arms in football, but because they didn't get to see former No. 1 overall recruit Arch Manning.

Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rather than playing Manning who is arguably one of the most popular recruits ever across any sport, Texas fans were subjected to watching Manning play catch on the sidelines. Sarkisian opted to never put him in, even with the game well in hand. 

Blame can be attributed to the fact that it appeared he wanted to build Ewers' confidence, allowing the starting signal caller to work well into the third quarter. When it comes to Manning and when Texas fans will see him, assuming there are no injuries ahead of him and neither Ewers nor Murphy lose their spots, the only game that stands out in the near future as one he could play in is their Week 3 game against Wyoming. 

The only issue with that game is the fact that Wyoming looked decently impressive in their win over Texas Tech, and whether they are coming off a huge win or devastating loss against Alabama, Texas may start slow.

Here are a couple posts on the app formerly known as Twitter from fans that were upset by not seeing Manning play. 

Arch Manning is the 3rd string QB????

— Penny's Thoughts (@PennysThoughts2) September 2, 2023

Our first Maalik Murphy sighting and Arch Manning is getting warmed up on the sideline! pic.twitter.com/AsYZGHItdD

— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) September 2, 2023

I hear Arch Manning could come on for Texas who’s leading Rice 37-3 👋🏽🤠🏈#HookEm #Texas pic.twitter.com/UM8sTvak5d

— Michelle Sánchez (@MichelleS_tv) September 2, 2023