PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 4: Running back TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Carson Hinzman #75 during the third quarter of a college football game at SHI Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State defeated Rutgers 35-16. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Ohio State Possesses a Hidden Advantage to Embarrass Quinn Ewers, with Arch Manning Prepared If Needed
In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, particularly in the Big Ten and SEC, certain matchups inevitably generate excitement not just for the game at hand, but for the potential shifting of future narratives. One such matchup is the looming encounter between Ohio State and the Texas Longhorns, a program rich in tradition, talent, and promise. At the heart of Texas’ offense is Quinn Ewers, a once-heralded high school prospect and a quarterback now tasked with leading the Longhorns into a new era. However, as the season progresses and his growth under center is scrutinized, one might look at the Ohio State defense, which holds a hidden advantage capable of embarrassing Ewers. And if the sophomore quarterback falters under the pressure, a possible solution lies on the Longhorns’ bench: Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman out of New Orleans, who could be primed to take over.
While Ohio State has been primarily known for its offensive firepower under head coach Ryan Day, the defense has been quietly building toward a level that could dominate a high-profile game like this one. Led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes have improved their defensive efficiency, becoming one of the more formidable units in the country. For Ewers, who is still finding his footing at the collegiate level, this presents a daunting challenge—one that could reveal the cracks in his play and force Texas’ hand. If Ohio State’s defense can rattle Ewers early and often, they will expose weaknesses that may send shockwaves through the Longhorn program, pushing them to consider the possibility of Manning being inserted earlier than expected.
Quinn Ewers: The Pressure Builds
When Quinn Ewers initially committed to Texas, he was heralded as the next big thing. A five-star prospect who had decommitted from a previous commitment to the University of Texas to reclassify and join Ohio State before transferring back to Austin, Ewers carried a weight of expectations rarely seen for a quarterback at the college level. His arm talent is undeniable—strong, fluid, and capable of making any throw on the field. However, his decision-making and consistency have often been under scrutiny, especially as Texas navigated a turbulent 2022 season. Despite flashes of brilliance, Ewers’ inconsistencies were clear: he could go from leading a game-winning drive one week to throwing interceptions and missing wide-open targets the next.
In 2023, the pressure has only increased. The Longhorns are looking to make noise in the College Football Playoff race, and with that comes the responsibility of having a quarterback who can carry them through the toughest of situations. Despite his immense potential, Ewers’ game is still in a developmental stage. He needs to continue refining his mechanics, reading defenses, and playing with poise when the stakes are highest. Against a defense like Ohio State’s, which is brimming with talent and coached by one of the top defensive minds in the game, those areas of Ewers’ game will be tested in ways he hasn’t yet experienced.
Ohio State’s defense—anchored by a deep and versatile defensive line, fast linebackers, and an aggressive secondary—presents a unique set of challenges for Ewers. On the defensive line, Ohio State is stacked with elite talent. Players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Michael Hall Jr. are not just capable of generating pressure—they thrive on it. Their ability to collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks to make rushed decisions is where Ewers could run into problems. Although Ewers has the arm strength to recover from bad throws, under duress, his accuracy can waver, especially when faced with constant pressure.
Moreover, the Buckeyes’ defense is well-coached in creating turnovers. Ewers, for all his potential, has struggled with decision-making, especially when feeling rushed or flustered. His 2022 season included several interceptions and poor reads under pressure, and Ohio State’s secondary—led by safeties like Ronnie Hickman and cornerbacks such as Denzel Burke—has the ability to capitalize on these mistakes. The defensive backfield is disciplined, capable of locking down receivers and keeping everything in front of them, but also aggressive enough to create turnovers. Ewers must navigate this secondary carefully, or he could quickly find himself in the midst of a turnover-heavy game.
The Hidden Advantage: Ohio State’s Defensive Line and Linebackers
Where Ohio State possesses its hidden advantage, however, is in the combination of its defensive line and linebackers. This unit has been ferocious against both the pass and the run, and their ability to disrupt Ewers’ rhythm will be critical to Ohio State’s success.
Under Jim Knowles, Ohio State has become more aggressive in its approach. The defensive line is not just a group of pass rushers; it’s a unit designed to create chaos. This isn’t just about getting to the quarterback—it’s about making him uncomfortable and forcing mistakes. With an offensive line at Texas that has had its ups and downs in terms of pass protection, the Buckeyes will be able to attack at different angles, disguising their blitzes and bringing pressure from unexpected places. Ewers’ mental toughness will be tested, and how he handles that pressure will determine how much Texas can compete.
The linebacker corps, led by talent such as Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers, provides excellent coverage and sideline-to-sideline range. They can close quickly on running backs in the flat, force Ewers to hold onto the ball longer than he wants, and disrupt passing lanes in the intermediate range. This is a critical element for Ohio State because Ewers has shown a tendency to rely heavily on his deep ball and intermediate throws. If the linebackers can close the gap and take away those options, Ewers will have to scramble, making him more vulnerable to sacks or hurried throws that lead to mistakes.
Arch Manning: The Future of Texas Football
While Quinn Ewers may be the starter for now, there is always the looming presence of Arch Manning. The freshman quarterback, widely regarded as one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the country, has been brought in with the future of the Longhorns in mind. Manning’s pedigree—being the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning—has garnered significant attention. But it is his skill set that has Texas fans buzzing. He is a polished quarterback with elite touch on the ball, an uncanny ability to read defenses, and the poise to make the right decision under pressure.
Manning, though a freshman, is already well-suited to play in college football. His fundamentals are sound, and his football IQ is off the charts. However, the idea of him stepping in for a struggling Ewers—especially against a defense as menacing as Ohio State’s—is one that would carry both risk and reward. Manning is talented enough to potentially turn the game around, but he would also be entering a pressure cooker situation against a defensive front that would love to make a statement.
The question for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is whether or not to pull the trigger on Manning, especially if Ewers is struggling. Do you ride with the experience of Ewers, knowing the potential for growth is there, or do you risk the future of your program for a shot at the present? This is the difficult decision facing Texas if Ewers falters, and it will add another layer of drama to the game. If Manning is thrown into the fire, he will be forced to face the Ohio State defense head-on, and it’s a scenario that could make or break his early career.
