Is Arch Manning playing today? Texas QB's availability for Week 9 explored

Quarterback Arch Manning entered then No. 1 ranked-Texas' 30-15 loss against then-No. 2-ranked Georgia on Saturday in the second quarter after Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian decided to remove quarterback Quinn Ewers. Manning came into the game for the final two drives of the second quarter.

Neither drive was effective as the first one ended in a punt after six plays and the second ended with Manning fumbling the ball after getting sacked. Ewers returned for the third quarter, and Manning did not enter the game. Since Manning did not play well, he will not start against No. 25 ranked Vanderbilt on Saturday. Ewers will remain the starter.

While Ewers was injured earlier in the season, Arch Manning played exceptionally well. So, if Sarkisian wants to change things up, Manning is a viable option. If Ewers does not get out to a strong start against Vanderbilt, Sarkisian could put Manning in the game again as he did in the Georgia game.

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Arch Manning's performance as starting quarterback in Ewers' absence

Arch Manning was the starting quarterback for a few weeks earlier in the season when Quinn Ewers was out with an injury. He threw for over 200 yards in all three games in which he got majority of the playing time. He had at least two passing touchdowns in every game and he only threw two interceptions combined.

Manning performed so well that there was talk that he should keep the starting job when he returned. However, that was not the case, and Ewers returned against Oklahoma with an excellent performance.

Despite a poor performance by his standards against Georgia, there has been no indication from the coaching staff that there is going to be a change in starting quarterback. So, Manning will not start on Saturday. However, he will be available to play if Sarkisian wants to replace Ewers.

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How likely is it for Arch Manning to earn the starting job later in the season?

Although Manning has performed well this year, it is not likely that he will earn the starting job over Quinn Ewers. Ewers was the Heisman Trophy favorite before his injury and has performed well since returning. Even in a poor game by his standards against Georgia, he still threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns.

It is going to take more than one bad game for Ewers to be replaced as the starter. If Texas loses on Saturday and Ewers is a big reason why, there may be a conversation about the starting quarterback for next week.