December 21, 2024

Quinn Ewers eagerly shifting focus on TCU after Kansas State win

Texas Longhorns Football

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers prepares to receive a snap during the second quarter against Kansas State Saturday November 5, 2022 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)

MANHATTAN, Kan. — After a three-interception performance in the loss to Oklahoma State, the Texas quarterback rebounded in a big way against Kansas State.

Quinn Ewers had complete command of the Longhorns’ offense, didn’t turn the ball over and led his team to their first road victory of the season. Not only did Texas score 31 points in the first half for a second-straight game, but it also moved up to that No. 2 spot in the Big 12 standings.

Ewers was proud of what the offense accomplished on the gridiron. After all, the Longhorns scored a touchdown on each of their first three drives of the game. And if it wasn’t for a lost fumble, Ewers would’ve led the Longhorns to a scoring drive on each possession of the first half.

It basically solidified that Ewers has moved on and put the loss to the Poke in the rearview mirror.

“Obviously that game was tough in Stillwater, but I think we had  a really good two weeks of practice since we had that bye, which I think really helped us,” Ewers said. “I think we practiced well, we took a look at ourselves, and tried to figure out what we’re really about, and we came out on top tonight just fine.”

The former five-star prospect has put up some promising numbers since returning from a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm, that forced him to miss three games. Ewers has thrown for 977 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions over the last four contests.

The Texas native wasn’t happy that the offense stalled in the second half though, which allowed the Wildcats to pull within a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. A couple of drives stalled because of silly penalties and poor execution. Ewers knows Texas can’t make those same mistakes next week against TCU.

The undefeated Horned Frogs are arguably the best second half team in the nation. Not to mention Sonny Dykes’ boys are outscoring their opponents 177-109 in the second half this season. The reason for that is because TCU (9-0) often starts slow out of the gates and plays from behind.

Which is why Ewers and the rest of the offense will need to keep their foot on the gas if they jump out to a big lead against the Horned Frogs.

“TCU is a great team, they got a great offense and a great defense,” he said. “I’m excited to see what they do, I’m excited to watch them on film, and see how this team reacts after this win.”

It helps that Texas (6-3) will be back at home in front of 100,00-plus fans. Ewers plans on approaching the matchup like any other game, regardless of what’s at stake. The gunslinger understands it’s a pivotal game that the Longhorns have to win if they want to stay in the Big 12 race.

“Obviously that’s in the back of our minds, but at the end of the day we’re just trying to go 1-0 each week,” the 19-year old said. “Just focusing on that one opponent, and hopefully it all works out after that.”

Texas has won two of the last three games in the series. This will be the first time that both teams will enter the game ranked in the AP Poll since the Horned Frogs became a Big 12 member. And it will be the first time Texas assistant coach Gary Patterson goes up against his former team. So there’s no denying it’s going to be an epic battle, with intriguing storylines.