Arch Manning gives himself a C+ grade in his first start at Texas as a replacement for the injured Quinn Ewers | News, results, highlights, stats and rumors

Texas quarterback Arch Manning was “probably a C+” in his first start for the Longhorns as his team easily cruised to a 51-3 victory over Louisiana-Monroe.

“Having that many playmakers around definitely makes me feel better,” he told reporters after the game. “Tonight we have a lot of different receivers catching balls. It’s great to just give them space and let them make plays.”

As a replacement for the injured Quinn Ewers, the redshirt freshman completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

“I don’t think anybody here thought he was going to have a perfect game,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I thought he was going to prepare really well, work really hard and do everything he could to play good football. He was going to learn some lessons and I think that’s what tonight was about.”

If he were honest, Sarkisian might be grateful that Manning had some good moments despite some mistakes. For now, at least, Texas is avoiding a quarterback controversy that would distract the team from its quest to reach the College Football Playoff.