When Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning left the team’s 45-38 overtime win over Mississippi State last weekend — UT’s third straight victory after a 29-21 loss to the Florida Gators — many fans were concerned the team might have to turn to backup Matthew Caldwell for their game against No. No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday.
However, after spending days in the concussion protocol, head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed to On3’s Chris Low that Manning cleared protocol on Friday and will start Saturday against the Commodores.
Manning didn’t practice until Wednesday, and by Friday his name was removed from Texas’ injury report.
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“He said that that extra rest early in the week was good for his body and mind – his body because he’s fresh and his mind because he was chomping at the bit to get back on the field, lobbying with their team doctors to let him practice on Tuesday, but they didn’t let him,” ESPN’s Molly McGrath said on “SportsCenter.”
“He wants to continue that momentum from a positive performance last weekend.”
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Manning had his best performance of the season against Mississippi State. He completed 29 of 46 passes for a career-high 346 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also had a rushing touchdown as well.
It was his second 300-yard game of the season and the third of his career.
Caldwell completed his only pass in the Mississippi State game — a 10-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley in overtime that served as the game-winner. In four relief appearances this season Caldwell has completed 8 of 11 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.
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