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Coming into Round 8, both the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs were ranked in the top five, with Texas being the top-ranked team, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in Austin. However, the game didn't go as expected for Texas, as Georgia dominated early, building a commanding 20-0 lead in the first half.
In an effort to turn things around, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian made a surprising decision to bench starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and bring in Arch Manning.
Manning took over for the final two drives of the half but struggled to make an impact. When the third quarter began, Sarkisian returned to Ewers, a move that sparked significant debate, including criticism from former quarterback Robert Griffin III, who voiced his concerns on X.
"Unless Quinn Ewers is injured you ride or die with your guy. What the hell is Arch Manning gonna do against Georgia down 20? That's not a great spot to put the young Manning in AT ALL," Griffin wrote.
Manning struggled
Griffin's remarks added to the buzz surrounding Sarkisian's quarterback shuffle. During his brief stint, Manning managed to complete only 3 of his 6 attempts for 19 yards.
He also faced pressure, being sacked twice and losing a fumble that led to a Georgia field goal, extending their lead to 23-0 at halftime.
With the game slipping away, Sarkisian brought Ewers back into the lineup, and he managed to throw two touchdown es in the second half. Despite their efforts, the Longhorns couldn't overcome the deficit, and Georgia secured a 30-15 victory.
"THAT'S WHY YOU DON'T BENCH QUINN EWERS," Griffin added.
Sarkisian's decision to give Manning a chance in such a critical moment against a tough opponent has been a hot topic of discussion, with many questioning the strategy.
The loss marked Texas' first of the season, and the team will look to bounce back as they hit the road to face Vanderbilt in Week 9, hoping to regain their winning form.