Nick Saban Sends Message to Steve Sarkisian on Manning-Ewers Decision

Nick Saban has navigated his fair share of quarterback controversies throughout his storied career and believes Texas is handling things the right way with Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning.

Ewers is currently sidelined by an oblique injury, which given Manning a chance to shine. Manning passed for four touchdowns and ran for another during a 56-7 beatdown of UTSA last week. The Longhorns announced that Manning would be the starter this week against Lousiana-Monroe with Ewers still on the mend.

However, head coach Steve Sarkisian took a firm stance on Ewers and his eventual return as the starter.

“One thing I tried to impress upon Quinn is — all the goals he had and that we’ve had for him coming into the season are all still there for him," Sarkisian said on Thursday. "I think we have a national championship-caliber team and he’s the quarterback of that team."

Saban is a fan of Sarkisian backing Ewers and setting the expectation for when the Heisman hopeful return.

“I think what [Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian] did in the press conference yesterday sort of sent the message loud and clear that we have a championship caliber team and have an opportunity to maybe do something special with this team and Quinn Ewers is the quarterback,” Saban said on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday. “And I think that’s probably the way it should be.”

The conversation will likely continue beyond the weekend. Manning and Texas is a 44.5-point favorite against ULM, per ESPN Bet.

Related: Nick Saban Takes Clear Stance on Arch Manning's College Football Decision

Related: Kirk Herbstreit Sends Strong Message After Illinois' Upset Win Against Nebraska