Arch Manning benching Quinn Ewers sparks Johnny Manziel's harsh criticism of Steve Sarkisian

In a game that left fans at the edge of their seats, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian's decision to make a significant change mid-game against Georgia has ignited a heated debate-especially after Johnny Manziel's critical comments.

The tension mounted when, during the second quarter, Sarkisian pulled Quinn Ewers, the team's starting quarterback, in favor of freshman Arch Manning. Texas was already in a tight spot, trailing by a wide margin at the time. The unexpected switch caught many off guard, including Manziel, who didn't hold back when asked about the decision during an interview with The Action Network.

The former Heisman Trophy winner, known for his outspoken nature, questioned the rationale behind Sarkisian's choice. Manziel, who had been following Texas closely, seemed perplexed by the timing of the substitution, especially after Sarkisian had publicly ed Ewers as the starting quarterback for weeks, even when injuries were a concern. According to Manziel, the sudden change in strategy was baffling, particularly with how much was riding on the game.

Despite a rough start to the matchup, where Texas struggled to gain ground, Manziel argued that pulling Ewers didn't seem like the right call. He mentioned that Ewers had shown potential to be a top NFL draft pick, leaving him wondering why the coach would send him to the sidelines so early in the game. Though Ewers did return later, the damage had already been done, with Texas ultimately falling to Georgia in a 30-15 defeat.

The Longhorns were no match for Georgia's defense

Sarkisian's decision didn't result in the spark many expected, and Manning's brief time on the field didn't seem to shift the momentum. Completing only 6 out of 9 es for 19 yards, Manning wasn't able to lift the team out of its slump, as Texas went into halftime with a significant deficit. Despite these numbers, some fans saw potential in Manning's short stint, sparking a new conversation about his future with the team.

Manziel, however, wasn't convinced this was the right moment to give the young quarterback a shot. In his eyes, benching a proven player like Ewers in such a crucial game was a risk that didn't pay off. He acknowledged the struggles Texas faced but believed the decision would lead to more fan chatter and increased pressure on the team going forward, especially when it comes to Manning's role.

Texas now finds itself in a tough position, with Sarkisian facing questions about his game-day strategy. While the coach may have been searching for answers against a dominant Georgia team, the move has certainly added fuel to the growing conversation about Texas' quarterback situation. With the season still unfolding, eyes will remain on Sarkisian to see how he manages the rising tensions around his quarterbacks, particularly with the fanbase now divided over the direction of the team.