Texas Moves On Unspectacularly, As Some Fans Still Wonder If There Should Be A Shakeup At QB

Texas fended off a late charge from Clemson for a 38-24 win in its first-round College Football Playoff matchup, and it did so in a very "Texas" way - running the ball and playing defense.

Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner went over the 100-yard mark on the ground, and the Longhorns defense held the Tigers to just 3.2 yards per rush in a game that, aside from a slight scare early in the fourth, was in their control from their first drive of the game.

AUSTIN, Tex. - Quinn Ewers of the Texas Longhorns throws the ball during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

The hidden truth is that quarterback Quinn Ewers was a very pedestrian 17-of-24 for 202 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Tigers on Saturday. Unfortunately, that’s par for the course.

The second-year starter has been nursing an ankle injury and, for the most part, has been more of a game-manager than a difference-maker - especially down the stretch. That had some asking if coach Steve Sarkisian might consider turning to sophomore signal-caller and hot shot recruit Arch Manning.

AUSTIN, Tex. - Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns scrambles with the ball during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

Sark trotted Manning out in specific packages on Saturday and at times prior to the CFP, but a full-time switch has never been a legitimate option. It’s hard to imagine Sark making that move now considering Texas is three games away from winning the national title, but it’s clear that he’s been coaching around his quarterback rather than "through" him.

Luckily for Longhorns fans, the talent up and down the roster has allowed Sark to control the style of every game this season other than the two meetings with Georgia. That’s just it, though. Can Texas win when it is forced outside of its comfort zone?

AUSTIN, Tex. - Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

The oddsmakers have installed the Longhorns as nearly two-touchdown favorites over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl national quarterfinal, so it might not matter the next time out. However, what happens if they play Oregon? What about the winner of the Tennessee vs. Ohio State game? How about … gulp … Georgia again?

Every coach around the country has a "24-hour rule," that allows players and coaches to enjoy wins for a little while before getting back to work. After topping Clemson in the first on-campus playoff game in Texas history, the parties will undoubtedly be abundant and boisterous. In reality, though, we didn’t learn anything new about Texas on Saturday.

Ewers’ floor is very high, which is good because he’s not going to become a liability. However, we still don’t know his ceiling. That might come back to haunt Sark and the Longhorns as they progress through the 12-team tournament.