The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for their College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal matchup against No. 8 Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, set to take place Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The stakes are high, as the winner will earn a spot in the national championship game on January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Throughout the 2024 season, Texas has faced intense scrutiny regarding their quarterback situation. Despite Quinn Ewers leading the team to the CFP, some fans have been vocal about their desire to see Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman, take on a bigger role—or even start in the playoffs. However, inside the Texas locker room, there is unwavering support for Ewers as the leader of the offense, and players have made their confidence in him abundantly clear.
Tight end Gunnar Helm spoke about Ewers’ composure and leadership, which he believes are critical to the team’s success. “As our leader on the offensive side of the ball, he’s the one that gets us going. Seeing him calm during tense moments definitely calms our nerves,” Helm explained. He emphasized how Ewers’ demeanor helps the team stay focused, even during challenging stretches of a game. “Whether things are going well or not, he keeps us in a good headspace and keeps encouraging us. There’s no other guy I’d want on my side.”
Center Jake Majors highlighted Ewers’ less-visible contributions that make a significant difference in Texas’ offensive performance. “There’s a lot that Quinn does that fans don’t notice,” Majors said. “Whether it’s audibling routes or changing protections, he makes plays that go unnoticed but are critical to our success. For example, he might get us into a protection that picks up a boundary blitz, and we end up getting a first down. That’s his leadership, and it’s at a really high level.”
Ewers’ leadership and experience have been on full display throughout the CFP. In Texas’ victories over Clemson and Arizona State, he completed 37 of 54 pass attempts for 524 yards, throwing four touchdowns and two interceptions. His standout moment came during the second period of overtime against Arizona State, when he delivered a 28-yard game-winning touchdown pass on fourth down, securing Texas’ spot in the semifinal.
The hype surrounding Arch Manning, one of the most anticipated recruits in recent memory, has added an extra layer of intrigue to Texas’ quarterback situation. Manning’s pedigree and potential have fueled fan excitement, leading to calls for him to see more action, especially with the high stakes of the playoffs. However, the team’s support for Ewers suggests that, for now, the Longhorns are rallying behind their veteran signal-caller.
This trust in Ewers comes as Texas prepares for a challenging showdown against Ohio State. The Buckeyes bring a potent offense to the table, and the game is expected to be a test of whether Texas’ defense can rise to the occasion or if Ohio State’s firepower will prevail. As Joel Klatt noted in a discussion on The Herd, the matchup will likely hinge on whether Ohio State’s offense can break through or Texas can hold them back.
Ewers’ ability to manage the game and execute under pressure will be critical in the Cotton Bowl Classic. His teammates’ testimonials underscore his importance not just as a passer but as a leader who can keep the offense cohesive and focused, regardless of the circumstances. His knack for making smart decisions, such as adjusting protections or audibling plays, could be the difference-maker in what promises to be a tightly contested game.
While the debate over Ewers and Manning continues among fans, the players and coaching staff seem to have no doubts about who their quarterback is for this playoff run. Ewers’ experience, poise, and leadership have earned him the respect and trust of his teammates, setting the stage for what could be a career-defining performance in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
In conclusion, as the Longhorns prepare to face Ohio State, the focus remains on the field, where Quinn Ewers is determined to lead his team to the national championship. Despite the external noise and hype surrounding Arch Manning, the Texas locker room is firmly behind their starting quarterback. With Ewers at the helm, Texas has weathered the storm of questions and doubts, and now they stand just two wins away from a potential national title.
