Arch Manning was accused of fumbling the ball during a scoring drive for Texas on Friday.

The Longhorns faced Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium, with a place in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at stake. Quinn Ewers started the game at quarterback but stepped out for a play, allowing Manning – the nephew of legendary quarterbacks Eli and Peyton – to enter the field.

Throughout the season, Ewers has battled through injury and struggles with form as Manning, due to both his play and name gravitas, breathed down his neck. Manning’s dual-threat ability adds another layer to the Texas offense, but head coach Steve Sarkisian resisted calls to permanently insert him in the lineup ahead of the more experienced Ewers.

But Manning’s physical skillset is advantageous and gives Texas a mobile quarterback to work with against more dominant defenses that overwhelm their offensive line. On Friday, Manning came in for a single play – and controversy swiftly followed.

Manning rushed the ball and earned a crucial first down, falling to the floor. The officials blew him down the second the 19-year-old hit the turf, but on replays, he appeared to lose control of it before touching down which led to gasps around the stadium.

Ultimately, the first down was awarded and Ewers re-entered the field to finish the drive, firing a 17-yard touchdown strike to Jaydon Blue that tied the game. Manning’s apparent missed fumble has naturally divided fans on social media.

Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news

Arch Manning appeared to lose a fumble only for officials to rule him down, despite replays suggesting otherwise

Arch Manning appeared to lose a fumble only for officials to rule him down, despite replays suggesting otherwise ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

“I will DIE on the hill that it was a fumble by Arch Manning. ESPN froze it on the frame where ball is out, knew isn’t down, and back of the hand is not down,” one fan declared. Another wrote: “Arch Manning coming in for one play and getting away with a fumble crazy.”

“Could they overturn it? No. Did Arch Manning fumble the ball? Yes,” posted another curious fan. However, one onlooker was more concerned about why Manning may have fumbled, suggesting he was targeted illegally on the hit: “Bro idc (I don’t care) if this Arch Manning play is a fumble or not because that is clear-cut targeting.”

Following a quick review, officials surprisingly declared that Manning was down before losing the ball. Ewers threw the touchdown and suddenly the Cotton Bowl was tied.

However, Texas didn’t stay level for long. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard hit TreVeyon Henderson on a screen, and the running back took the ball 75 yards to the house to give the Buckeyes a 14-7 halftime lead. The winner of the Cotton Bowl will face Notre Dame in the National Championship on Monday, Jan. 20.