Arch Manning is set to make his return to the field this week for a crucial SEC matchup.
After being listed as questionable due to a concussion sustained last week, Manning has been cleared from the injury report and is poised to start against the formidable No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday, according to ESPN.
Manning’s absence came after he entered the concussion protocol following Texas’ electrifying 45-38 victory over Mississippi State.
The 21-year-old quarterback had a rough encounter when he hit his head on the turf after being tackled by two Mississippi State defenders during the initial play of overtime.
Following the collision, Manning remained on the ground until medical staff attended to him and subsequently escorted him to the medical tent.
During his absence, senior quarterback Matthew Caldwell stepped in to lead the Longhorns to victory, finishing the game while Manning was sidelined.
Caldwell threw a touchdown in overtime that sealed the win for Texas.
“I think his rapport with Arch was a big part of it. They have a great relationship,” Sarkisian said of Caldwell following the game. “What a moment for that guy to step in and make that throw.”
Before exiting the game, Manning threw for a career-high 346 passing yards with three passing touchdowns and a rushing score while completing 29-of-46 passes.
After the Bulldogs held a three-possession lead early in the fourth quarter, the Longhorns scored 17 unanswered points in one of their best performances of the season, which sent the game to overtime.
“Once a year you have culture wins and that was our culture win (against Kentucky earlier this month). I think we got a mulligan because this was our culture win,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a group of guys.
“Our toughness was going to have to be the best it’s ever been for our program.”
