Photo Courtesy: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
On Saturday, the weight of Longhorn nation was resting on quarterback Quinn Ewers’ shoulders. However, despite facing another tough opponent on the road, the Texas quarterback was unfazed – slashing his team’s way to an easy 31-12 victory over Michigan at the Big House.
After being a win away from Michigan in last year’s College Football Playoff, the Longhorns were ready to claim their spot at the table of the elite. Against the Wolverines, Quinn Ewers looked as good as ever, showing great awareness in the pocket, tallying 246 passing yards and three touchdowns. For Ewers, Texas senior tight end Gunnar Helm stepped up in a big way – amassing 98 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. However, it was Ewers’ 21-yard touchdown pass to Helm with 4:14 left in the first quarter that defined the game. On that play, Ewers pump-faked, climbed up in the pocket, kept his eyes downfield, and feathered in a beautiful ball to Helm in the end zone. From that moment on, the confidence of the Steve Sarkisian’s squad was contagious.
Before the game, the Wolverine defense was the main talking point for Michigan. However, the Longhorns came ready and looked to be the more physical team on Saturday. While the offensive production was not insane, the game was over by the third quarter. Along with Helm, Jaydon Blue and Matthew Golden also caught Ewers touchdown passes, displaying the offense’s versatility.
Defensively, the Longhorns looked just as solid. Led by senior Texas safety Andrew Mukuba, who came away with an interception in the second quarter, the defense forced a total of three turnovers. Overall, the Longhorns defense kept Michigan to under 300 yards of total offense.
While Michigan was a non-threat in the passing game, the Longhorns did just as well against the run. In fact, Michigan’s star running back Donovan Edwards only ran for 41 yards. Additionally, Trey Moore and Colin Simmons, both produced some push against a young Michigan offensive line. Ultimately, the Wolverines were simply outgunned at home. As a result, Texas came away with a relatively untested 31-12 victory against a tenth-ranked opponent.
Next weekend, the Longhorns will host the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 P.M (CT) in a game which will air on ESPN.
