Can Arch Manning lead the Texas crew to victory better than Quinn Ewers? Here’s what EA Sports CFB says

Arch Manning has had limited but impactful moments on the field for Texas this season, showcasing glimpses of his potential. As the Longhorns gear up to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, some voices argue that Texas should consider starting Manning over Quinn Ewers.

The No. 3 Texas Longhorns will battle the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. In the national championship game, the winner will face Notre Dame, who narrowly defeated Penn State 27-24 in the other semifinal.

Here’s what EA Sports CFB says

The debate between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers has been ongoing throughout the season, with Texas making it to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals.

To explore the potential outcomes, EA Sports CFB simulated two games: one with Ewers starting and the other with Manning. The results offer some insight into what each quarterback brings to the table.

"In the first game, Texas is down 7-0 until Quinn hits his receiver for a 42-yard BOMB to tie the game," the narration says. "And then he follows that with a second touchdown and Texas takes the lead.

“Quinn plays a very clean game with no interceptions, but Texas trails 16-14 late in the fourth quarter. But with just over two minutes to go, Quinn finds his receiver for a clutch 24-yard touchdown to take the lead and win the game."

On the other hand, this is what happened when Arch Manning was put into the hot seat.

"It's a rough start for the Texas offense as they go scoreless in the first quarter with Arch under center," the narration says. "Luckily, they get points on the board thanks to a 29-yard pick-six and head to the half down single digits. So can Arch turn it around in the second half?

"It takes until the fourth quarter, but Arch drives down the field and throws the go-ahead touchdown with 1:09 left in the game. But disaster strikes, Ohio State gets a miracle 79-yard touchdown and Arch just has 57 seconds to try to make something happen.

The clip concludes with this:

"But Arch puts the team on his back and they get into field goal range and they make it from 53 yards out as time expires in regulation to tie the game.

"Unfortunately, Texas can only manage a field goal in overtime and Ohio State gets the ball and scores a walk-off touchdown to advance to the CFP final. Look, it's not like Arch had a horrible game, but based on these results, Texas should be riding Quinn for the rest of the playoff.”

How to watch the Ohio State vs Texas semifinal game today

The high-powered semifinal clash between Ohio State and Texas will occur on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Traditionally held at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, this iconic game has been hosted at the Cowboys’ home in recent years.

Ohio State reached the semifinals by defeating Oregon at the Rose Bowl, while Texas earned its spot by overcoming Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.

Date: Friday, January 10, 2025

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

TV Channel: ESPN

Streaming: DirecTV, Hulu with Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and more

Cotton Bowl weather update

According to Accuweather, the weather forecast for Friday in Arlington indicates chilly conditions with a high temperature of 38 degrees. Snowfall between three to six inches is expected, leading to potentially slippery road conditions.

The authorities have reassured fans and teams that contingency plans are in place to ensure safety around AT&T Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off as planned, with teams arriving on Thursday.