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Kirk Herbstreit was excited to see both Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning play in the BYU game.
Steve Sarkisian let both Murphy and Manning get a lot of reps at quarterback during practice before the game. Murphy will be starting and Manning is going to be the backup.
Herbie thought that Murphy could impress a lot of people Saturday, especially those who didn’t see the Texas spring game last year.
Sarkisian told Herbstreit that the plan is still going to be the same for Texas even though there will be someone different under center.
“I think that people who didn’t see the spring game last year from Texas are gonna be enamored when he comes out on the field to take the first snap,” said Herbstreit. “He’s an impressive looking quarterback and great athlete and he can throw it. I talked to Sark yesterday about it. They’re gonna run their system. They’re gonna do what they do.”
Maalik Murphy is gonna surprise a lot of people today ?
He has the size, but he also can spin it!!#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/JnP2nR04vo
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 28, 2023
There is hope for Manning, however. While he is in the backup role at the moment, Herbstreit believes there could be opportunities for Manning if they present themselves.
Lastly, Herbstreit warned Texas about how BYU’s defense gives up a lot of yards, but also leads the Big 12 in turnovers.
“As far as Arch Manning, he’s in a backup role. I think it’ll depend on how the game is going. If Maalik Murphy is playing well, then I think Manning will be a backup and wait for an opportunity if it presents itself. This is Maalik Murphy’s show, 6-foot-5, 230,” said Herbstreit. “Can run, can throw. Keep this in mind. BYU gives up a lot of yards, but they do led the Big 12 in turnovers. They’re gonna ease Murphy into the game.”
Kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
