By Dorrington Myers
Game Recap: Texas vs. Arizona State
Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Final Score: Texas 39, Arizona State 31
In a high-stakes matchup against a resilient Arizona State team, Quinn Ewers delivered when it mattered most—crunch time. His performance in overtime was nothing short of spectacular, leading Texas to a hard-fought victory.
Stat Line:
20/30, 322 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, 1 rushing touchdown, QBR 92.0
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Key Moments:
Touchdown to Matthew Golden in Overtime: Facing 4th-and-13, Ewers delivered the game’s biggest completion, finding Golden for a clutch touchdown to keep Texas alive.
4th and 13… pic.twitter.com/Wb9PNc857j
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 3, 2025
Two-Point Conversion to Matthew Golden: In the red zone, Ewers rolled right and connected with Golden again, throwing with pinpoint anticipation and accuracy while on the move.
THE TD AND THE 2-POINT 🤘‼️#HookEm | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/PHho4z2JLW
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 1, 2025
Touchdown to Gunnar Helm: In the second overtime, Ewers showed his skill once more. Off play-action, he stepped up in the pocket and delivered a beautiful throw on the run to Helm for the go-ahead score.
Rushing Touchdown: With Texas leading 17-8 and a chance to put the game away, Ewers dropped back in the red zone. Finding no open receivers, he scrambled, using his legs to extend the play and ultimately found open space to cross the goal line for a crucial score.
Party in the endzone 🤘#HookEm | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/SUPGMovWo3
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 1, 2025
Drop-Back Game: While typically excelling off play action, Ewers proved he could command the pocket without a fake. On traditional drop-backs, he went 14/21 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and poise under pressure.
Performance Analysis:
Strengths:
Resilience: Despite throwing a costly interception and having some off-target throws, Quinn Ewers never wavered. His battle-tested demeanor shone through as he bounced back and delivered an unforgettable performance.
Clutch Factor: Known for struggling to close out games in the past, Ewers flipped the narrative. With the run game stifled and Arizona State playing with incredible intensity, Ewers tapped into his competitive spirit and silenced the doubters with a composed and determined effort.
Accuracy: Ewers continues to prove why he’s regarded as one of the most accurate quarterbacks in college football. When his feet are properly set, he’s surgical. After his interception, he showcased his ability to adjust, adding more velocity to his throws to ensure precise delivery of the ball.
Room for Improvement:
Starts and Turnovers: Ewers needs to eliminate the rough starts and turnovers, especially given his experience in high-pressure games. While some questionable play-calling may have contributed to inconsistent production, Ewers must take command and ensure consistent execution.
Throwing with Purpose: Ewers must focus on throwing with intent on every play. This will not only enhance his consistency but also reduce the likelihood of turnovers. By refining this aspect of his game, he can elevate his performance even further.
What’s Next?
A thrilling playoff showdown awaits as Ohio State takes on Texas in a game that promises to captivate fans from start to finish. Quinn Ewers vs. Will Howard—two elite quarterbacks battling it out on the big stage. What could be better than that?
