Arch Manning makes major statement after Texas' Quinn Ewers decision

Arch Manning's stellar outing against Mississippi State proved that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was correct in letting the young star play in place of Quinn Ewers.

Starting for Ewers, Manning had arguably the best game of his young career against the Bulldogs in the 35-13 win. The 19-year-old quarterback completed 26-of-31 pass attempts for 324 yards to go along with two touchdowns, highlighted by a 49-yard connection to a streaking DeAndre Moore Jr. late in the second quarter.

Manning also had 33 rushing yards on six carries, including a touchdown, showing just how versatile he is when it comes to making the right play with the ball. Overall, the star finished the game with 357 total yards and three total touchdowns in Texas' first SEC conference win and a statement performance from the highly-rated young signal caller.

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Manning did all this as Texas attempts to bring starter Ewers back from injury slowly. Ewers is still recovering from a strained abdomen, which he suffered against the University of Texas at San Antonio , and considering what the quarterback means to the program, Sarkisian is taking his time bringing back the signal caller.

For the time being, however, the Longhorns will have to rely on Manning to steer the ship to victories . And so far, the next generation in the Manning family of quarterbacks is living up to the billing as Texas remains undefeated five games into the season.

That said, Manning acknowledges that his success is a product of the lessons he's learned from Ewers throughout their time together. Speaking to reporters after Texas' dominant win, Manning made sure to give Ewers his flowers for how he has helped him navigate through the early part of the season as a starter.

"Yeah, just kind of treat it the same thing and just go out there and have fun," Manning told reporters . "Quinn keeps everything laid back and he's been great to me. Just lean on him for advice. But yeah, that's about it."

The 19-year-old also revealed that he did not find out he was the starter until Thursday. "I think throughout the week, I was just gonna prepare the same way I prepare," he continued. "But then once it comes game time, you just gotta cut it loose and have fun. That's what it's all about.

"I think last week, I didn't have as much fun as I wanted to. I had a little bit more fun today, even though it was a little rocky."

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Manning also shared how Sarkisian often coaches him hard to ensure he becomes the player he wants to be, especially as the team continues to look ahead to life after Ewers. As it stands, the Longhorns will have to decide on whether they want to stick with Ewers or ride the momentum Manning has created so far this season.

"Well I think that's the good thing about [Sarkisian] is he always coaches me pretty hard," the 19-year-old stated.

"You should come to a practice - it's pretty intense. But it's good. That's what you want to get better. I think it could be tough sometimes but at the end of the day, it's a good thing."