AUSTIN, Texas — Steve Sarkisian has a new quarterback ... at least for this week.
The Texas Longhorns head coach said quarterback Arch Manning will get his first career start on Saturday as they take on the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM).
Texas is No. 1 for the first time since 2008 and figures to stay that way as they use Saturday as a tune-up ahead of conference play. An upset by the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks would be a stunner.
It's been an easy road for Manning so far this season. The quarterback has more touchdowns (5) than incomplete passes (4). He's also rushed for a pair of touchdowns in limited action this season.
Manning replaced starting quarterback Quinn Ewers who suffered an abdominal strain against UTSA last week. However, Sarkisian said Ewers and the Longhorns still have all their goals, including making Ewers a top-5 pick, a trip to the Heisman ceremony, culminating in a Texas national championship.
Key matchup
Manning will be pitted against Warhawks defensive coordinator Earnest Hill. Manning is talented but still inexperienced. Hill will likely draw up a number of ways to pressure him into mistakes. The same would be true for putting pressure and hits on Ewers if he makes a quick return from injury and plays.
Players to watch
Louisiana-Monroe: QB General Booty has thrown only 30 passes in two games and will have to be sharp against the Longhorns, who already have five interceptions. Booty, a former Texas high school football standout, originally signed with Oklahoma out of junior college. However, he only played in only two games there before transferring in May to ULM.
Texas: Freshman RB Jerrick Gibson has emerged from an injury-depleted backfield to lead the Longhorns in rushing with 178 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns. No other Texas back has more than 79 yards.
Facts & figures
Texas's last tour at No. 1 lasted three weeks in 2008. The quarterback of that team, Colt McCoy, will be inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor this week ... The Longhorns defense has allowed just two touchdowns and 19 total points this season. The Warhawks have allowed just two in their first two games ... Texas' five interceptions lead the SEC. Defensive end Ethan Burke returned one 30 yards for a touchdown .... This is ULM's first matchup against a No. 1 opponent.
