The Texas Longhorns faced a challenging Week 9 matchup against Vanderbilt, following their first loss of the season. After a disappointing 30-15 defeat to Georgia, Texas not only lost the game but also relinquished its No. 1 ranking in the college football AP Poll. With the pressure mounting, how would they respond on the road?
Quinn Ewers: The Starter Under Pressure
Ewers, who has been the focal point of Texas’s offense, has had a rollercoaster season. After struggling against Georgia, where he faced a formidable defense, he entered the game against Vanderbilt with something to prove. The Longhorns’ head coach, Steve Sarkisian, has placed a lot of faith in Ewers, despite the mounting pressure and the fact that he had dealt with injuries earlier in the season.
In the first quarter against Vanderbilt, Ewers’s day took a rocky turn when he targeted a wide receiver, only to have the ball tipped and intercepted. This early mistake raised eyebrows, especially given the recent benching of Ewers in favor of Arch Manning during the Georgia game. Would we see Manning make an appearance if Ewers faltered again?
Arch Manning: The Backup Waiting in the Wings
Manning, the highly-touted freshman, has been waiting patiently for his chance. He stepped in for Ewers during the two games that the starter missed earlier in the season, leading Texas to convincing victories over UTSA and UL Monroe. However, he did not see the field in the matchup against Vanderbilt, as Ewers remained the one under center.
With Ewers’s early interception, fans and analysts alike began to wonder if Sarkisian would make a change. The tension in the air was palpable. Would the coach stick with Ewers, or was Manning’s time finally coming? For now, Manning stayed on the sidelines, but the whispers of his potential return lingered.
Ewers’s Performance Against Vanderbilt
Despite the shaky start, Ewers managed to regain his composure. He led a scoring drive that tied the game at seven, showcasing his resilience. By halftime, he had completed an impressive 19 of 21 passes for 211 yards, with three touchdowns and just one interception. It seemed that he was shaking off the rust from the previous week’s performance.
However, the second half proved to be a different story. Ewers threw another interception, this time on a tipped pass, and his offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection. He was sacked four times, and the Vanderbilt defense kept the game close throughout. While Texas managed to escape with a 27-24 victory, the questions surrounding Ewers’s consistency remained.
Quinn Ewers Stats vs. Vanderbilt
To put Ewers’s performance into perspective, here are his key statistics from the game:
- 27 pass completions
- 37 pass attempts
- 288 yards
- 3 touchdown passes
- 2 interceptions
- 4 sacks
After the game, Coach Sarkisian praised Ewers’s performance, stating, “He was efficient and got the ball to our playmakers when he needed to.” This positive feedback may help bolster Ewers’s confidence as he prepares for the upcoming challenges.
The Road Ahead for Texas
With the victory over Vanderbilt, Texas now turns its attention to a much-needed bye week before facing Florida. This break could be crucial for Ewers, allowing him to regroup and refocus. The Longhorns will need him to be at his best, especially as they look to reclaim their spot among the elite teams in college football.
The depth chart for Texas’s quarterbacks remains a hot topic. Ewers is firmly established as the starter, but the presence of Manning adds an intriguing dynamic. The pressure on Ewers is palpable, and with Manning waiting in the wings, fans are eager to see how this situation unfolds.
Texas QB Depth Chart
Here’s a look at the current depth chart for the Texas Longhorns at quarterback:
| Rank | Player Name |
| 1. | Quinn Ewers |
| 2. | Arch Manning |
| 3. | Trey Owens |
Trey Owens, a freshman, has yet to see the field due to the high-profile players ahead of him. The competition for the starting role is fierce, and every game presents an opportunity for Ewers to solidify his position or for Manning to make his case.
As the season progresses, the Longhorns will need to find a balance between maintaining Ewers’s confidence and preparing Manning for when his time comes. The stakes are high, and every game counts as Texas aims for a successful season. Will Ewers rise to the occasion, or will Manning get his shot? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is alive and well in Texas!
