Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns are still grappling with the aftermath of their 28-14 defeat to Ohio State at the Cotton Bowl in AT&T Stadium. The loss has left players and fans alike in a state of disbelief, prompting a period of introspection and soul-searching as the team prepares for next season. What went wrong, and how can they bounce back? These are the questions lingering in the minds of everyone connected to the Longhorns.
The pivotal moment: Ewers’ fumble
According to former NFL scout John Middlekauff, the turning point in the game came down to a critical decision made by Sarkisian. His indecisive play-calling, particularly during a crucial second down, cost the Longhorns a shot at the national championship game on January 20. Middlekauff pointed to the now-infamous play that led to Quinn Ewers fumbling the ball, which Jack Sawyer then scooped up for an 83-yard touchdown return.
“The game didn’t happen on fourth down; the game happened on second down when he ran a lateral toss,” Middlekauff explained. “To me, you can’t go lateral in that situation. You have to go vertical. Hell, bring in Arch (Manning) and go forward. You would score. I have pretty good confidence … It’s going to work; you’re definitely not going to lose seven or eight yards.”
Quinn Ewers reflects on the loss
Following the game, Ewers spoke candidly about the moment that sealed the fate of the Longhorns. “I felt him. I started drifting away, thought I was going to be able to get the ball off before he got there,” he said. “I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline. … Jack’s a good player; he made a great play.” This moment encapsulated the frustration felt by the Longhorns, as they watched a promising season slip away in the blink of an eye.
Ewers’ reaction underscores the emotional toll of the game. As a quarterback, he carries the weight of the team’s hopes and dreams, and this loss will undoubtedly linger in his mind as he contemplates his future.
Jack Sawyer’s instinctive play
On the other side of the field, Jack Sawyer’s perspective on the play adds another layer to the story. He described the moment he picked up the fumble almost as a reflex. “I saw the ball pop out right to me after I tackled him. I was just thinking, I’ve got to stay on my feet because I almost blacked out when I scooped it and saw a bunch of green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer recounted.
This instinctive reaction not only secured the victory for Ohio State but also showcased the unpredictable nature of college football. One moment can change everything, and for Sawyer, it was a chance to shine in a crucial game.
The road ahead for Texas
As the Longhorns look ahead, the focus will be on how to regroup and learn from this experience. The coaching staff will need to address the issues that led to this defeat, particularly in play-calling and decision-making. With a talented roster and a passionate fan base, there is potential for Texas to rebound and come back stronger next season.
The offseason will be critical for Texas as they evaluate their strategies and make necessary adjustments. Can they harness the lessons learned from this painful loss to fuel their drive for success in the upcoming season? The answer lies in their ability to reflect, adapt, and grow.
Looking to the future
For Ewers, this defeat raises questions about his future and the trajectory of his career. Will he return to Texas with a renewed sense of purpose, or will he explore other opportunities? The uncertainty looms large as he weighs his options, but one thing is clear: the fire to succeed burns within him.
Meanwhile, Sawyer prepares for the opportunity to face Notre Dame for the national title, a chance that many players only dream of. The contrast between the two players’ paths serves as a reminder of the highs and lows inherent in college football.
As the Longhorns reflect on this season, they must channel their disappointment into motivation. The journey of a college football team is never straightforward, filled with moments of triumph and despair. But it is the resilience and determination to rise again that defines a program.
In the world of college football, every game is a chance to learn, grow, and strive for greatness. The Longhorns may have stumbled this time, but with hard work and dedication, they can rise from the ashes and return to the spotlight. The future is bright, and the lessons learned will be invaluable as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
