Manning to reportedly start for Texas vs. Vandy

Jeff Hauser

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Texas' Arch Manning will reportedly start vs. Vanderbilt image

TL;DR

  • * Arch Manning cleared concussion protocol and will start for Texas against Vanderbilt.
  • * Manning sustained a head injury in the overtime win against Mississippi State.
  • * He had a strong performance before the injury, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
  • * Texas, ranked No.

Arch Manning, quarterback for Texas, is set to start against Vanderbilt after successfully completing concussion protocol, as confirmed by Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian to On3's Chris Low. 

Manning was officially taken off the SEC availability report Friday evening. He was kept out of play since sustaining a head injury in the extra period of last week's 45-38 win against Mississippi State. 

Sarkisian told ESPN's Molly McGrath that Manning did not resume practice until Wednesday, but looked sharp once he did. “He’s progressed really well,” Sarkisian said, adding that team doctors cleared Manning following multiple evaluations without symptoms. 

Manning turned in one of his best performances so far this year before the injury. He threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. The Longhorns overcame a 17-point deficit against MSU thanks to his performance.

McGrath also reported Friday on SportsCenter that Sarkisian believed the time off benefited Manning physically and mentally. “That extra rest early in the week was good for his body and his mind,” McGrath said. “He was eager to return, even lobbying to practice on Tuesday.”

Manning will now lead No. 20 Texas into its matchup against No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday. The Longhorns aim to build momentum in the final month of the season. 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.