For the record, when it comes to Arch Manning’s running ability, “I credit my mom for that speed, not my dad.”
His famous uncles Peyton and Eli will sure be talking about it. “Probably in a group chat,” Manning said.
The Texas quarterback stepped into the huddle — and the massive Longhorns spotlight — in the second quarter after starter Quinn Ewers went down with a strained abdomen. Manning went wild, accounting for five touchdowns total in a 56-7 rout over UTSA.
Related: Texas QB Arch Manning Heisman Trophy odds run wild as he dismantles UTSA in place of injured Quinn Ewers
But it was Manning’s 67-yard touchdown run straight down the middle of the field that left fans slack-jawed. “I think he got his grandpa’s athleticism,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said afterward on ESPN. “I don’t think he got his uncles’.”
“It felt good having a lot of adrenaline running,” Manning said. “Don’t know if I’ve run that fast in a while.”
Manning gave credit to Texas strength coach Torre Becton. “He runs our tails off in the offseason, so he’s done a good job. And I think I’ve gotten a lot faster since I’ve been on campus.”
Manning played in spot duty last year as a backup in mostly meaningless situations. Coming into this season, Sarkisian wanted to get Manning to play in what the coach called “significant” situations. Losing the starting quarterback for an extended period certainly qualifies.
Ewers went to the turf in awkward fashion after a handoff play, and it’s still unclear whether he was hit or pulled a muscle. He will be evaluated more on Sunday.
Manning came into the game, and on his first play, he threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore. On his third offensive play, Manning faked a handoff and then took off like a rocket straight up field. He juked the safety and raced untouched to the end zone.
“The coaches are on me here, just trying to prepare and stay ready each week,” Manning said. “So when my number's called, I can go in there and execute, and that's what I tried to do tonight. Obviously, there’s a lot to work on and build on, but that’s what I try to do, and help us win games.”
A crowd of more than 100,000 fans inside Royal-Memorial Stadium went wild.
Manning finished the game completing nine of 12 passes for 223 yards and touchdown throws of 19, 51, 75 and 12 yards.
The 51-yarder to Isaiah Bond was really all Bond. He caught the ball just out of the backfield and raced the entire way.
The 75-yarder was Manning. He stepped up into the pocket and fired a deep strike to Ryan Watts, who took it the rest of the way.
The 12-yarder was a textbook throw. Manning lofted it to the back pylon and Johntay Cook II went and got it.
“It felt good getting hit,” Manning said. “I haven’t been hit since high school. It felt good. I love everything about it. DKR was rocking tonight. The fans are great. I'm just glad I got to get out there, and I hope Quinn’s OK and hope we can keep winning.”
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