Ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal matchup with Arizona State on New Year’s Day, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding junior quarterback Quinn Ewers. As the Longhorns prepare for one of the biggest games in the program’s recent history, Ewers has put to bed any lingering concerns about the ankle injury that had been hampering him throughout the season.
“I’m feeling a whole lot better than I did back then,” Ewers said confidently about his ankle injury during Monday’s Peach Bowl media day. This statement came as a welcome relief for fans and coaches alike, as Ewers’ health has been a topic of concern for much of the 2024 season. Over the course of his three seasons at Texas, Ewers has battled multiple injuries, and it’s been a season marked by setbacks for the talented signal-caller.
Despite the injury challenges, the Longhorns have reached the CFP quarterfinals, and Ewers has been at the helm of the offense. His ability to recover and continue playing at a high level is a testament to his resilience and the support of the Longhorns’ medical and training staff. With Texas set to face Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, one of the major storylines is how well Ewers is feeling heading into the game and how much his performance will impact the Longhorns’ playoff hopes.
Injury Struggles: A Season of Setbacks
Ewers’ journey in 2024 has been a challenging one in terms of injuries. This season has not been kind to the Texas quarterback, as he has missed significant time due to various ailments. The first major injury came early in the season when Ewers suffered an oblique strain, which caused him to miss a couple of games. This injury sidelined him during Texas’ wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State. Despite the setback, Ewers showed resilience by recovering quickly and returning to the lineup to help his team continue their pursuit of the College Football Playoff.
However, the injury woes didn’t end there. Just as Ewers seemed to be regaining his rhythm, he suffered a high-ankle sprain in a 31-14 win over Kentucky. Ankle injuries are always tricky, especially for quarterbacks who rely heavily on their mobility and ability to plant their feet while making throws. Despite the injury, Ewers was determined to continue playing and suited up for the next games, including Texas’ victories over Texas A&M and a tough SEC Championship loss to Georgia. In both of those games, Ewers played with a brace on his injured ankle, clearly showing the level of dedication and grit it takes to compete at this high level.
Despite these challenges, Ewers managed to produce impressive performances, displaying his strong arm and leadership qualities. However, the nagging injuries have undoubtedly limited his full potential, and it was unclear just how effective he could be with an ankle injury that seemed to linger.
A Fresh Start for Ewers: Healthy and Ready for the Playoff
Now, with the Peach Bowl looming and a 10-day break between the SEC Championship game and the Longhorns’ first-round playoff win over Clemson, Ewers is finally feeling as close to 100% as he has been all season. According to co-offensive coordinator AJ Milwee, the recovery process has gone remarkably well. “That’s one thing I give Quinn a lot of credit for: He’s relentless in his recovery and trying to get his body in the best situation that it can be in,” Milwee said during a press conference. “I’ll give him a ton of credit that he handles his body like a pro.”
This positive update on Ewers’ health could not come at a better time. As the Longhorns head into the quarterfinals against Arizona State, the need for a fully healthy quarterback is paramount. A well-rested, mobile Ewers is capable of executing the offense at a high level, making precise throws, and leading the Longhorns with poise and confidence. His ability to shake off the injury concerns and enter the game at full strength could make all the difference for Texas in this critical playoff matchup.
The Importance of Ewers’ Health for Texas’ Playoff Run
Having a healthy Quinn Ewers is crucial for Texas’ aspirations in the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns are set to face a formidable Arizona State team led by their own quarterback, Sam Leavitt, who will be out to prove that he is the “better” signal-caller. With both teams eyeing a spot in the CFP semifinals, the quarterback play will be one of the key factors in determining the outcome of the game.
Ewers has been a major factor in Texas’ success throughout the season, contributing both with his arm and his ability to make plays in clutch moments. He has shown he can make deep throws, operate in the pocket, and lead the offense with authority. However, his performance has been hampered by injuries, and in the high-pressure environment of the College Football Playoff, Texas will need him to be at his best.
With Ewers at full health, the Longhorns will be able to rely on their star quarterback to lead the offense and execute head coach Steve Sarkisian’s game plan effectively. Texas has a dynamic offensive system that can score quickly, and having Ewers operating at peak performance is vital for the team to be successful.
Arizona State: A Tough Opponent in the Quarterfinals
The Longhorns’ opponent, Arizona State, will come into the game with something to prove. Sam Leavitt, the Sun Devils’ quarterback, has been solid this season and will be looking to outplay Ewers and put his team in a position to pull off an upset. The matchup between these two quarterbacks will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the game. Leavitt has shown flashes of brilliance, but Ewers has more experience and a higher ceiling as a player. Texas’ defense will also need to play a role in limiting Leavitt’s impact, but ultimately, it will come down to how well Ewers can execute on the other side of the ball.
Arizona State has been a competitive team throughout the season, and they will be looking to make a statement in the College Football Playoff. However, with a fully healthy Ewers leading the charge, Texas will be tough to beat. The Longhorns’ offense has the firepower to compete with any team in the country, and with Ewers playing at his best, they will be a serious contender for a spot in the CFP semifinals.
Looking Ahead: A Texas Team Ready to Contend
As the New Year approaches and the Peach Bowl kicks off on New Year’s Day, the Longhorns find themselves in a prime position to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. With a healthy Quinn Ewers under center, Texas will be able to unleash its potent offense and put pressure on Arizona State. Ewers’ ability to recover from his injuries and play at a high level will be crucial for Texas’ success.
Texas fans will be hoping that Ewers can carry his team to victory and continue to prove that he is one of the top quarterbacks in college football. If Ewers stays healthy and continues to perform at a high level, the Longhorns will have a legitimate shot at winning the national championship in 2024. But first, they must focus on the task at hand: defeating Arizona State and securing a spot in the next round of the College Football Playoff.
