No. 3 Texas is gearing up for an electrifying showdown against No. 20 Texas A&M this Saturday, a rivalry game that promises to be one for the ages. With the SEC championship on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Longhorns. But as excitement builds, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the team, particularly regarding their star quarterback, Quinn Ewers.
Quinn Ewers’ Injury Status
As of now, Ewers is listed as “probable” for the highly anticipated game on the SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report. This update was last provided on Thursday, November 28, at 8 p.m. ET. However, the news isn’t all positive; ESPN’s Pete Thamel has reported that Ewers will not be at 100 percent when he takes the field. This raises crucial questions: How will this impact Texas’ chances against a formidable opponent? Can Ewers still perform at a high level despite his injury?
Understanding the Injury
The injury occurred during a Week 13 victory over Kentucky, where Ewers suffered an ankle injury that hampered his performance in the latter stages of the game. The quarterback was injured following a “hip-drop” tackle executed by a Kentucky defender, which rolled onto his leg. After the game, Ewers described his ankle as “just a little tender.” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian provided additional insight, explaining that the tackle type is not illegal in college football but can lead to injuries like the one Ewers sustained.
Sarkisian remarked, “On kind of a scramble up the middle, he got — I guess you can call it a hip-drop tackle, as they refer to it in the NFL. It’s not illegal in college football. And it just kept kind of tightening up on him. And at that point, I said that I didn’t feel like it was worth having to expose him.”
What’s at Stake for Texas
The Longhorns are not just playing for bragging rights in this storied rivalry; they are also fighting for their spot in the SEC championship. A victory against Texas A&M is crucial for maintaining their momentum and securing a place in the postseason. The pressure is palpable, and the team knows that every play counts. But how will Ewers’ condition affect their game plan?
Backup Options: Arch Manning
If Ewers is unable to perform at his usual level, Texas may have to rely on redshirt freshman Arch Manning, who stepped up earlier in the season when Ewers was sidelined with an abdominal injury. Manning took the reins during a Week 3 win over UTSA and made quite an impression. He completed 41 of 60 pass attempts for 583 yards, four touchdowns, and just two interceptions in wins against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State.
This season, Ewers has been impressive, completing 68.0 percent of his passes for 2,089 yards and throwing 23 touchdowns against only six interceptions. However, if his ankle continues to be a concern, Texas could see Manning take the field at any moment during Saturday’s game. The question remains: can Manning replicate Ewers’ success if called upon?
Coaching Perspective
In the lead-up to the game, Coach Sarkisian has been relatively tight-lipped about Ewers’ condition. When asked about the quarterback’s injury, he simply stated, “I think he’s doing OK.” Such vague updates can leave fans anxious, but they also highlight the coaching staff’s focus on strategy rather than speculation. Will Sarkisian adjust his game plan based on Ewers’ performance? That remains to be seen.
The Rivalry Factor
Rivalry games are always intense, and this matchup is no exception. Texas A&M will be looking to upset the Longhorns and spoil their championship aspirations. The atmosphere in College Station is sure to be electric, with fans on both sides ready to make their voices heard. How will the pressure of the rivalry affect the players, especially Ewers if he takes the field?
The Longhorns have a rich history in this rivalry, and the stakes are higher than ever. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications, not just for the SEC standings but also for the legacy of the players involved.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on Quinn Ewers. Will he be able to lead Texas to victory against Texas A&M, or will the injury limit his effectiveness? The Longhorns have a lot to prove, and the entire college football world will be watching. Whether Ewers plays or Manning steps in, one thing is for sure: this rivalry game will be a thrilling spectacle, full of passion, intensity, and the unpredictable nature of college football.
With so much at stake, fans can expect nothing less than a fierce battle on the field. Will Texas secure their spot in the SEC championship, or will Texas A&M pull off a stunning upset? The answers await us this Saturday!
