Is Steve Sarkisian Too Dependent on Quinn Ewers?
The SEC Championship game was a pivotal moment for Texas, offering head coach Steve Sarkisian a shot at redemption against Georgia. Early in the game, it looked like Texas might finally conquer the Bulldogs. Texas held a narrow lead, 6-3, going into the second quarter. However, the momentum shifted, and Georgia eventually edged out a 16-13 victory. This result left many questioning Sarkisian’s decisions, particularly regarding quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Ewers struggled in this game, throwing two interceptions that proved costly. By the fourth quarter, Texas was trailing despite Georgia’s offense appearing far from its usual dominant self. Georgia’s performance was a shadow of the team that had convincingly beaten Texas 30-15 during the regular season. To make matters more interesting, Georgia had to sideline their starting quarterback, Carson Beck, due to an arm injury. Even with these advantages, Texas couldn’t seal the win, leading to increased scrutiny of Ewers’ play and Sarkisian’s reliance on him.
Analysts and fans have pointed out that Ewers, while talented, is still recovering from an injury that has clearly impacted his mobility and performance. Without the ability to run effectively, Ewers’ limitations became more apparent. Some have argued that Sarkisian should have given him rest during less critical moments, like the second half of the Kentucky game, instead of overburdening him.
Criticism of Ewers has been widespread. Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe questioned Ewers’ decision-making on his show Nightcap, suggesting that fans in Austin might be thinking Arch Manning could have won that game. The conversation around Manning’s potential as a starter has gained momentum, especially considering his stellar performances earlier in the season.
Manning demonstrated his abilities during a blowout win against UTSA, where he threw for four touchdowns and rushed for another. He followed up with solid performances against Mississippi State and Louisiana-Monroe, averaging over 200 passing yards per game. Though he also threw two interceptions in one of those games, his potential as an offensive weapon has been clear.
This raises a fundamental question: why didn’t Sarkisian turn to Manning when Ewers was struggling? In the SEC title game, Ewers completed 27 of 46 passes for over 350 yards, but the performance was marred by inefficiency and turnovers. The lack of trust in Manning, despite his evident talent, has fueled debates about Sarkisian’s decision-making and whether his attachment to Ewers could jeopardize Texas’ chances in the playoffs.
The Playoff Path Forward
Texas now faces a seemingly favorable playoff schedule, starting with Clemson. If they beat the Tigers, they will advance to face Arizona State in the semifinals. However, the question remains whether Sarkisian’s approach will be enough to navigate these games successfully.
Clemson barely secured their playoff spot with a dramatic win over SMU, but head coach Dabo Swinney doesn’t appear to face the same quarterback dilemmas as Sarkisian. Meanwhile, Arizona State has been on an impressive run. The Sun Devils showcased a potent offense in their Big 12 title win, and their defense has made notable improvements under head coach Kenny Dillingham. With extra rest and preparation, they could pose a serious threat to Texas.
If Sarkisian doesn’t address his quarterback situation, the Longhorns’ playoff campaign could be at risk. Texas fans are left wondering if the team can truly contend with Ewers at less than full strength or if it’s time to give Manning the reins. The outcome of these decisions could have far-reaching consequences, potentially causing Texas to lose not just playoff games but also the trust of both quarterbacks in the long run.