CFB insider makes an Arch Manning sized request to Steve Sarkisian before CFP kickoff

The Arch Manning versus Quinn Ewers debate has refused to go away. Amidst this, the No. 5 Texas Longhorns prepare to host the No. 12 Clemson Tigers in the first round of the college football playoffs on Saturday. The game is the Longhorns' first since their narrow 22-19 loss to coach Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

During Wednesday's segment of the "Pardon My Take" podcast, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit had a simple request for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian regarding Manning's game time vis-a-vis Ewer's.

"I thought that fresh off the Georgia Tech game, [Steve Sarkisian] saw something he could attack, using Arch’s ability to exploit the edges, but he didn’t do it," Herbstreit said (1:39:00). "That doesn’t mean he’s putting Arch Manning away, but for whatever reason, he stuck with Quinn [Ewers]. Still, it makes you wonder how much Arch will factor into their next matchup. I hope we see more of him—it's fun to watch."

Herbstreit further broke down how he thinks Sarkisian will use Manning's unique skillset during the college football playoff while keeping Ewers content.

"I think it’s a game-by-game approach for Arch and how they'll use him,"he added. "This is Quinn Ewers' team, but there’s so much anticipation and excitement around Arch potentially taking over, and I wonder if that dynamic is influencing Sark inside the locker room. Sark is a 'whatever it takes to win' kind of guy, but I think he's also mindful of his team’s makeup, and Ewers is his QB. So, it'll be a bit tricky to manage in 2024."

---

Arch Manning compared to his uncles and grandfather

Arch Manning has become a cult figure in college football due to flashes of his ability but more so due to the family he hails from. The Mannings are considered football royalty with his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning continuing his grandfather, Archie's incredible NFL legacy.

On Wednesday's segment of "Pardon My Take," ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit compared the Texas quarterback and his uncles and grandfather.

“I know everybody wants to compare him (Arch Manning) to his uncles, but he’s probably more like his grandfather,” Herbstreit said (1:40:00). “He’s much bigger and stronger. Look at this guy. You know, it’s one thing, you look at him on TV, then you go to the pregame, and you look at these guys in person. Some of these guys just look so different than what your perception of them is.

“And Arch is one of those guys. I mean, his legs, I don’t know if he lives under a squat rack. That dude is put together. He’s not just tall and slippery, he’s quick. He is a powerful dude who can spin it.”

College football and NFL fans were excited when another Manning made his way into football. The hype around Arch Manning is due to the stock he comes from and the fact that he has justified the praise whenever he has played for the Texas Longhorns.