The Texas Longhorns’ narrow loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game has reignited debates surrounding the quarterback situation and the team’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Despite dominating the first half in yardage, Texas only held a slim 6-3 lead at halftime and eventually fell 19-22 to the Bulldogs.
Key Issues in Texas’ Loss
- Missed Opportunities:
- Despite outgaining Georgia 260 yards to 54 in the first half, Texas couldn’t convert yards into touchdowns, settling for two field goals.
- Two missed field goals by kicker Bert Auburn, including a crucial 42-yarder, left points on the table.
- Game Management Errors:
- Falling for Georgia’s fake punt while tied at 13 showcased a lack of situational awareness. Texas failed to anticipate the play despite clear signals, allowing Georgia to maintain momentum.
- Key penalties, dropped passes, and missed blocking assignments added to the Longhorns’ struggles.
- Quarterback Dilemma:
- Quinn Ewers: Managed 358 passing yards, but his performance was marred by inconsistency, including two interceptions and a missed opportunity to capitalize on Georgia’s defensive lapses.
- Arch Manning: Fans clamoring for Manning question whether his mobility and playmaking ability might have made the difference. However, Coach Steve Sarkisian’s use of Manning has been criticized as predictable, with defenses easily identifying run-heavy schemes when he enters the game.
Expert Takes:
- Shannon Sharpe: Highlighted the predictability of Manning’s usage and the challenges of relying on Ewers, especially given his injury limitations.
- Chad Ochocinco Johnson: Echoed that Texas’ struggles weren’t solely on the quarterbacks, pointing to mistakes across all phases of the game as the real culprits.
Looking Ahead:
Despite the loss, Texas has a playoff spot, giving them a chance to redeem themselves. However, Coach Sarkisian faces pressing decisions:
- Should he continue to start Ewers, who has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent?
- Or should he take a chance on Manning, despite the potential risks of a less-experienced player in high-stakes games?
The Verdict on Ewers vs. Manning
Ewers remains the more seasoned option, but his struggles under pressure and inability to convert big moments are fueling doubts. Manning, meanwhile, has displayed potential, particularly with his mobility, but his lack of refinement and the team’s reliance on predictable plays when he’s on the field make him a gamble.
Conclusion:
The Longhorns’ loss to Georgia was a culmination of mistakes rather than a single player’s failure. Sarkisian must fine-tune his strategies, particularly around red-zone efficiency and special teams, if Texas hopes to compete for a national championship. The QB debate will persist, but for now, it’s a question of balancing experience with untapped potential as Texas prepares for the playoffs.