"A couple guys done beat him already": Louisiana-Monroe DC shuts down 'fear' of facing Arch Manning & Texas in Week 4

With Quinn Ewers (abdominal strain) likely out for the weekend's game against Louisiana-Monroe, Arch Manning will likely be under center to lead Steve Sarkisian's Texas. The Longhorns are easy favorites against the Warhawks. However, the prospect of facing Manning this Saturday isn't denting the LA-Monroe defensive coordinator's confidence.

ULM DC Earnest Hill spoke about how seeing Manning in action won't be new for his team, as a couple of them have already seen him in high school. (Start at 3:07)

“We actually have some kids on our team who played against him in New Orleans, and a couple guys done beat him already,” Hill said. "So, they don’t hold too much fear against him. So, they’re not gonna hold any fear against him coming up here.”

Arch Manning, who played in New Orleans at Isidore Newman, did get props from Hill. (Start at 2:38)

“I think Ewers, only thing he has on Manning is he has played more games,” Hill said. “And Manning, he’s been raised to be a quarterback. His uncle, both his uncles, very successful so he’s been taught the right way. He’s been at every quarterback camp. Again, he’s at Texas for a reason and it’s an opportunity for him to actually start a game and see what he can do.”

When Ewers exited the game against UTSA in the second quarter, Arch Manning came in for the Longhorns, throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9-of-12 passing. He also added a 67-yard rushing touchdown on which he topped a speed of 21 miles per hour.

Urban Meyer takes Quinn Ewers' credentials over Arch Manning's prospects

After Arch Manning shined brightly after coming in relief of the injured Quinn Ewers, talk of him getting the nod ahead of a healthy Ewers started to grow.

Ewers is a senior quarterback, while Manning is the top-ranked quarterback from the Class of 2023. One has experience while the other has impressive scouting reports. Amid the chatter, former coach Urban Meyer gave his two cents.

"Quinn Ewers is your starter, boys," Meyer said. "... Doing well against [UTSA], that's a warmup. Quinn Ewers has beat Alabama at Bama. Quinn Ewers beat the Wolverines badly at Ann Arbor. He's your starting quarterback. ... As soon as [Ewers] comes back, I'd play Quinn and I'd play Arch. I would play him."

While Meyer didn't pick a clear winner, he did mention that Ewers has done it in the past, winning against top programs. The same can't be said for Arch Manning, though; he hasn't been tested yet.