The moment Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian traded starter Quinn Ewers for Arch Manning at quarterback during Saturday’s game against Georgia, the words “quarterback controversy” immediately came to mind.

But the Longhorns’ coach ended that speculation by announcing that Ewers will remain the team’s starting quarterback after a loss to No. 5 Georgia.

“Quinn is our starting quarterback,” Sarkisian told reporters after the game.

“I appreciate the fact that we are fortunate to have a backup like Arch who can come into the game and provide a spark in a way. Ultimately, Quinn is our starter.

“I think, like I said, we have to do better in his environment. I think he would tell you he can play better, but we need to coach better. Everyone has to be better for our offense to perform better.”

Manning played in two series while Ewers waited on the sidelines, but would not play at all in the second half as Texas went back to the starter to close out the 30-15 loss to the Bulldogs.

So why bank Ewers?

“My feeling during the game was that Quinn was a little uncomfortable,” Sarkisian said.

“I felt like giving him a chance to take a step back and regroup. I didn’t know if we’d get one or two series with Arch depending on how much time was left in half the clock.

“So we told Quinn we’re going to take Arch over here and give you a chance to go into the locker room. Let’s regroup and then come back in the second half, and that’s what we did. I felt like it was effective. Quinn came out and played a much better second half.”

Texas will move out of the No. 1 rankings with the loss, dropping to 6-1 overall with a 2-1 mark in SEC play, and will hit the road against Vanderbilt next weekend.

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