Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers confirmed why Arch Manning hasn’t changed him within the Faculty Soccer Playoff quarterfinal in opposition to Arizona State on New 12 months’s Day.
All through the season, many have instructed the Longhorns could be higher off with Manning. Ewers might have quieted a few of these critics when he delivered in a 39-31 Peach Bowl victory.
With Texas trailing 31-24 in time beyond regulation, the junior launched a 28-yard landing move to broad receiver Matthew Golden on 4th-and-13.
Per The Athletic’s Chase Daniel, a former NFL QB, Ewers checked right into a submit route on his TD move to Golden, placing him ready to beat Arizona State’s protection.
On Texas’ first play within the second time beyond regulation, Ewers threw a 25-yard landing move to tight finish Gunnar Helm. He additionally linked with Golden on a two-point conversion.
After all, Ewers wasn’t good. He threw an interception to Arizona State defensive again Javan Robinson with 5:37 left within the fourth quarter, and solely ran for one yard on six carries.
Nonetheless, Ewers’ poise is one key purpose the Longhorns averted a collapse. Texas squandered a 16-point, fourth-quarter lead, and Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn missed a game-winning 38-yard field-goal try.
“If I may be the mannequin of composure and Quinn may be the mannequin of composure and poise that permeates all through our crew,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned in his postgame interview with ESPN (h/t On3’s Griffin McVeigh).
Manning has proven flashes when he performs. In two seasons with the Longhorns, the redshirt freshman has 13 touchdowns (9 passing and 4 speeding) in 11 video games.
Whereas Manning doubtless has a shiny future, the inexperienced QB might not have thrived underneath strain as Ewers did.
In his first two CFP games, Ewers accomplished 68.5% of his passes for 524 yards and 4 TDs. If he retains taking part in at a excessive stage, he may assist the Longhorns win their first nationwide title in 19 years. They are going to face both Ohio State or Oregon within the CFP semifinal on the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
