Joel Klatt Names Powerhouse That Has Become ‘Bonafide National Championship Contender’

The college football season is about to enter Week 6. With that, there are plenty of notable storylines.

Alabama beating Georgia in Week 5 sent the Crimson Tide toward the top of the SEC and national rankings for the time being.

Texas, Ohio State and Tennessee are 2-4 in the latest polls with Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, and Miami (FL) next in line.

Week 6 has some big games, with Missouri-Texas A&M leading the way as the lone top-25 matchup.

Another program that has done incredibly well is the Texas Longhorns, and they have done so without Quinn Ewers for the past few games. In his absence, Arch Manning stepped in and looked every bit like a top-tier starting quarterback.

In turn, college football analyst Joel Klatt named Texas as a "bonafide national championship contender" during a segment of "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd, and a big reason was because of Manning's play.

"Arch has solidified them as a bonafide national championship contender because now it doesn't matter if their quarterback stays healthy," Joel Klatt said. "They're still a premier team in the country with him at quarterback."

It might not be that bold of a claim, especially with Texas having title hopes at the start of the season.

Manning stepped in well once Ewers was injured, and it even raised questions on whether or not Steve Sarkisian would go back to Ewers.

Since Manning took over in the UTSA game, he has thrown for 900 yards with nine touchdowns and just a pair of interceptions.

He has also showcased his skills in the running game, rushing for three scores, including a must-see 67-yard scamper in the UTSA game.

On the other hand, Ewers entered the year as a Heisman trophy contender and threw for 691 yards with eight scores and a pair of interceptions before suffering the injury, which included a game at Michigan.

All in all, whether it is Manning or Ewers under center, Texas is well in the conversation to be a national title contender.

Texas has a bye in Week 6 before a must-watch Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma, and Ewers is expected to start that game.

Related: Report Reveals There is 'No Way' Quinn Ewers Misses Oklahoma Game

Related: Oklahoma Coach Reveals True Feelings on Red River Rivalry Atmosphere