Arch Manning Dazzles Against UTSA; What's Next?

Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning entered Saturday's 56-7 blowout victory over UTSA following an injury to starter Quinn Ewers. Manning was outstanding, completing 9-of-12 passing attempts for 223 yards and four touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback added 53 rushing yards and a fifth score via the ground to his offensive totals. His performance offered a peak into the future of one of college football's brightest stars.

The nephew of legendary NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, it was the most we've seen of the redshirt freshman after he attempted five passes against Colorado State earlier this year and five passes against Texas Tech in one appearance last season. Ewers suffered an abdominal strain early in the second quarter. Manning took full advantage of his opportunity to play extended action.

Manning's first touchdown pass displayed his accuracy on the move. It was a play-action fake out of shotgun formation. Manning rolled to his right and located wide receiver DeAndre Moore, who knifed his way into the end zone.

Manning's touchdown run showcased eye-opening athleticism. It was a 67-yard score via a rare zone-read call by head coach Steve Sarkisian. It signaled that Sarkisian is well aware of Manning's ability to hurt defenses with his legs. He reached 20.7 MPH, according to Reel Analytics. It was the program’s longest touchdown run by a quarterback since Vince Young did something similar in Stillwater back in 2005.

Manning's second touchdown pass was nothing special from him, but I wanted to highlight Isaiah Bond’s rare speed and acceleration. Bond wins the corner on a little dump pass from the backfield and wins the corner. Is Bond even faster than Xavier Worthy?

Manning later threw his first deep-ball touchdown. Showing terrific poise under pressure, Manning stepped into a throw and launched an accurate ball as he took a shot to a wide-open Ryan Wingo. He was extremely calm despite the collapsing pocket.

Manning's final touchdown pass was initially set up by an outstanding display of natural arm talent. Manning rolls to his left after a play-action fake and completes a 36-yard strike across his body to Wingo through a simple flick of his wrist. Two plays later, pitch-perfect ball placement to Johntay Cook led to his fifth touchdown. Texas spliced both plays together for your viewing pleasure.

Initial reports are that Ewers will miss Texas' Week 4 game at home against Louisiana-Monroe, per Pete Thamel. The Longhorns are 45-point favorites. It's going to be another big-time showcase for Manning.

The Manning hype train is understandably running wild. Manning's Heisman Trophy odds improved considerably following Saturday's performance. It's premature. It's worth noting Ewers was fresh off a three-touchdown performance at The Big House in a massive road victory over Michigan.

Ewers should be reinserted into Texas' starting lineup when cleared. Meanwhile, Texas is college football's No. 1 program in the AP poll for the first time in nearly two decades. Between Ewers and Manning, the present and future are extremely bright in Austin.