In a surprising twist ahead of their highly anticipated SEC debut, Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian revealed that the team has not yet finalized its starting quarterback for Saturday's clash against Mississippi State. This development adds an extra layer of intrigue to a match that promises to be a defining moment in Texas's football season.

Quinn Ewers, who had initially been considered the frontrunner for the starting position, is still marked as questionable due to an oblique strain. This comes after his absence from their previous game, which saw freshman sensation Arch Manning take center stage in a commanding 51-3 victory over UL Monroe. With the stakes this high against a formidable opponent, the Longhorns' quarterback conundrum continues to raise eyebrows.

“We're going to decide on the quarterback thing tomorrow,” Sarkisian stated during a press conference. “It won't be a secret. We’re not trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes. Just want to give Quinn every opportunity to see if he’s ready to play.” The coach has been cautiously optimistic about Ewers’ recovery, noting that he has been practicing effectively throughout the week.

Alongside Ewers' unpredictable status, Arch Manning has demonstrated commendable potential. “I’d say he’s improved every day,” Sarkisian commented, acknowledging Manning’s progress. The praise didn’t stop there, as he also highlighted third-string quarterback Trey Owens, who reportedly had his best practices yet, suggesting that the competition is palpable.

In stark contrast, Mississippi State is grappling with its own quarterback dilemmas. The Bulldogs will turn to true freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. after losing their starting quarterback, Blake Shapen, to a season-ending shoulder injury requiring surgery. Van Buren has shown glimpses of his talent, completing 7 of 13 passes for 100 yards during a recent loss to Florida, but the pressure will certainly be on as he faces the Texas defense.

Sarkisian acknowledged the challenges posed by facing a new quarterback with limited film to study. “It’s a small sample size,” he remarked. “They've had a week now to prepare a game plan for the things that he does well, and that's what we're going to have to sort through.” The game will also mark a meeting of strategic minds as Sarkisian goes head-to-head with Mississippi State’s new head coach Jeff Lebby, who was previously Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator.

As game day approaches, the question remains: who will lead the Longhorns into their SEC debut? Fans and analysts alike are left on the edge of their seats, eager for answers that could impact the trajectory of the Longhorns’ season. As both teams prepare for battle, all eyes will be on the field to see which quarterback steps up in this crucial moment. Will Ewers make a triumphant return, or will Manning continue to shine under pressure? Only time will tell!