The Texas Longhorns continue to support quarterback Quinn Ewers despite his struggles in the last two games, including being briefly benched during the recent loss to No. 1 Georgia, according to coach Steve Sarkisian.
Ewers had a tough game against the Bulldogs, completing 25 of 43 passes for 211 yards, with one interception and two fumbles. He started poorly, going 6-for-12 for just 17 yards on the first six drives, which led to Arch Manning taking over in the second quarter while Georgia led 23-0 at halftime.
Ewers came back in the third quarter and managed to lead two touchdown drives, but his overall performance in such a crucial game was below expectations for a veteran quarterback who is seen as a possible first-round NFL draft pick.
Texas never took the lead against Georgia, and Ewers appeared to be under pressure. Sarkisian emphasized that Ewers will remain the starting quarterback moving forward.
“We have confidence and belief in him,” Sarkisian stated. “I think he’s going to come out and play really good football for us here in the second half of the season.”
Texas (6-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) will face No. 25 Vanderbilt (5-2, 2-1) on Saturday. Ewers did not speak with reporters on Monday.
He had previously excelled in some of Texas’ biggest games over the past two seasons and was considered a strong Heisman Trophy candidate after the Longhorns defeated the defending national champion Michigan in week two.
However, he missed two games earlier this season due to an abdomen strain suffered in the first half against UTSA. Ewers returned for Texas’ 34-3 victory over Oklahoma but finished with only 199 yards and one touchdown, acknowledging that he needed to improve.
Against Georgia, Ewers seemed unsure when facing a strong Bulldogs pass rush and missed several throws. The Bulldogs recorded seven sacks, and Texas never took the lead.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck had a rough game as well, going 23-of-41 for 175 yards and throwing three interceptions.
However, after Texas narrowed the gap to 23-15, Beck responded by leading the Bulldogs on an 11-play, 89-yard drive for the game’s final touchdown.
“I think Quinn definitely can play better. We’ve got to continue to work on his pocket presence,” Sarkisian said. “But I also think we need to play better around him. You know, our offense isn’t about one player playing well.”
Texas only rushed for 29 yards and totaled 259 yards of offense against Georgia.
Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. stated that the Longhorns will support Ewers. “We’re always going to trust Quinn. We’re always going to believe in Quinn,” Banks said.
