Texas' Arch Manning will reportedly start vs. Vanderbilt

Texas quarterback Arch Manning will start against Vanderbilt after clearing concussion protocol, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian told On3's Chris Low. 

Manning was officially removed from the SEC availability report Friday night. He had been sidelined since suffering a concussion in overtime of last week’s 45-38 victory over Mississippi State. 

Sarkisian told ESPN's Molly McGrath that Manning did not resume practice until Wednesday, but looked sharp once he did. “He’s progressed really well,” Sarkisian said, adding that team doctors cleared Manning following multiple evaluations without symptoms. 

“The Longhorns are hopeful that Manning will be available for this game.”@MollyMcGrath12 with an update on Arch Manning's status for Saturday ✍️ pic.twitter.com/mr8A5Wk3f1

Manning turned in one of his best performances so far this year before the injury. He threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. His play helped the Longhorns erase a 17-point deficit against MSU.

McGrath also reported Friday on SportsCenter that Sarkisian believed the time off benefited Manning physically and mentally. “That extra rest early in the week was good for his body and his mind,” McGrath said. “He was eager to return, even lobbying to practice on Tuesday.”

Manning will now lead No. 20 Texas into its matchup against No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday. The Longhorns aim to build momentum in the final month of the season. 

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