After a heart-breaking end to the 2023 season, the Longhorns once again looked to overcome the obstacle of the CFP Semifinals. However, standing in their way was the Ohio State Buckeyes. After getting off to a slow start, Texas stormed their way back into contention, falling just short in a 28-14 game that was closer than it looked.
On Saturday, the key to the game was going to be Quinn Ewers. After a dismal performance from the running backs against Arizona State, Texas was going to have to continue to rely on their passing game against the Buckeyes. The problem? Ewers was going to have to have a Superman-like performance to beat Ohio State if the Longhorns wanted to overcome their other obstacles.
Against Ohio State, the Texas running backs only ran for 62 yards. Additionally, after some potentially questionable play calling from Steve Sarkisian in a critical goal line sequence, the Longhorn running game was unable to find the end zone late in the fourth quarter. With just under four minutes left in the game, Texas had a chance. In fact, a touchdown would have tied the game up at 21-21. However, the Texas offense was shut out of the end zone on four consecutive plays near the goal line, ultimately resulting in a Quinn Ewers fumble that was returned 83-yards for a touchdown by Ohio State defensive lineman Jack Sawyer. Unfortunately for Texas, Sawyer’s touchdown was the nail in the coffin for their season.
Against his former team, Ewers played well. On the night, he tallied 283 yards passing and two touchdowns, but had two turnovers in the final four minutes (albeit, one coming in garbage time). However, Ewers gave the Longhorns a shot, and it was Texas’ running game which came back to hurt the team when they needed it most.
But, not all was bad on Saturday. In fact, there was a lot of good as well. Once again this season, the Longhorns defense had a magnificent night. On the perimeter, Jahdae Barron was able to completely shut down Ohio State’s star receiver Jeremiah Smith. Perhaps one of college football’s best wide receivers finished the game with three receiving yards. Furthermore, the defense came up with multiple stops in crucial moments. However, when the Texas offense struggles to be consistent, the defense is forced to be even better. In the end, Ohio State’s three offensive touchdowns was enough to win the game with a final score of 28-14.
So, another season ends with a slip rather than a bang for the Longhorns. Two consecutive trips to the College Football Playoffs with nothing to show. While making the playoff is an achievement in and of itself, particularly after being unable to do so before Steve Sarkisian, these losses will inevitably sting. As a result, the Longhorns football program quietly finds itself at perhaps the most important crossroads in some time. They have taken two knockout blows, although something is obviously working. Can Steve Sarkisian’s team take a few more punches before delivering the ultimate knockout – a championship?
Furthermore, there will be many questions in the offseason. Of course, one will be the quarterback position. With Ewers likely have playing his last game for Texas, how will Arch Manning fare? While Ewers has been showered with criticism by many, he unquestionably raised the bar for this program. More so than any questions about Manning, how will the Texas offense retool around him? Moreover, the Texas defense deserves just as much focus. With the losses of Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba, can the Texas defense somehow find a way to improve?
Many questions will arise this offseason but the 2024 season was one to remember. If this is it from the Quinn Ewers era, what an era it was for Texas football. Steve Sarkisian’s program has a new level of expectations, and you have Ewers to thank for that. After being brought on after a 5-7 season, the lifelong Texas fan brought a new sense of optimism about the potential of this football team. And, for that, Longhorn Nation should be thankful.
