Texas HC Steve Sarkisian makes final decision on QBs Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning vs. Mississippi State

No. 1 Texas wants to be full strength in November, December and January. In the end, there’s no reason to risk quarterback Quinn Ewers’ health against a 1-3 Mississippi State team in September.

Now, Ewers can focus on getting ready for the Red River rivalry game against Oklahoma on Oct. 12.

Ewers (abdominal strain) was ruled out of Saturday’s game, the school announced around 2 p.m., and the junior was marked out on the final SEC availability report. That means redshirt freshman Arch Manning will start against the Bulldogs for the 3:15 p.m. kickoff on SEC Network.

Also, safety Derek Williams Jr. (hamstring) was ruled out, according to UT.

Coach Steve Sarkisian tried to delay the decision as long as possible. Coaches would make a final decision on Friday, he said.

On Monday, Sarkisian was asked about the importance of Ewers being honest about his pain level.

Related: Here’s what Texas QB Quinn Ewers must do to convince Steve Sarkisian he should play in SEC opener

“I think the beauty of it for Quinn and I is, our time together, him having to come back from injuries previously is him knowing that being honest with me is in his best interest and our best interest,” Sarkisian said Monday. “I’ll do everything in my power to put him in the best possible position to be successful if he plays, and if he doesn’t, OK, what does that look like moving forward?

“But I think our history together is probably the most beneficial thing that we have going for us this week,” the coach added.

Manning should be more than prepared to handle his first SEC start. So far this season, Manning has completed 61.7% of his throws for 576 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

The schedule is now in Ewers’ favor. By taking Saturday off, Ewers can rest up going into Texas’ off week before facing OU and then Georgia on Nov. 19.