Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers entered the highly anticipated matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks with the weight of the season on his shoulders. Ewers, a former five-star recruit and the centerpiece of Texas’ offensive resurgence, has dazzled fans and scouts with his arm talent and composure in big games. However, his performance against Arkansas left much to be desired, and fans and analysts alike are all pointing to the same issue: inconsistency.
As the Longhorns scraped their way to a narrow victory, questions about Ewers’ decision-making, accuracy, and ability to handle pressure took center stage, sparking a wide range of reactions. Here’s a breakdown of what everyone is saying about Quinn Ewers following his struggles against the Razorbacks.
Ewers completed just 18 of 32 pass attempts for 210 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions against Arkansas. While these numbers aren’t disastrous, they are a far cry from the level of play expected from a quarterback leading a team with playoff aspirations.
One of the most glaring issues was Ewers’ inability to connect on deep passes, an area where he has previously excelled. On multiple occasions, he overthrew open receivers downfield, missing potential game-changing opportunities. Additionally, his decision-making under pressure was questionable, with both interceptions coming at critical moments when the Longhorns were trying to build momentum.
Fans took to social media to voice their concerns, with many highlighting that Ewers seems to struggle when the spotlight is brightest. “Ewers has all the talent in the world, but he’s not consistent enough to carry this team against elite competition,” one fan tweeted.
Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including standout performances against Alabama and Oklahoma. However, those highlights have been offset by games like the one against Arkansas, where his inconsistency becomes a liability.
Many analysts have pointed out that Ewers tends to falter against aggressive defenses that apply constant pressure. Arkansas’ defensive front capitalized on this weakness, forcing Ewers into hurried throws and poor reads. Former college quarterback and analyst Greg McElroy commented during the game, “Ewers needs to find a way to settle down in these high-pressure situations. The great ones thrive under this kind of heat.”
The Longhorns’ offensive line struggles didn’t help matters, but fans are quick to note that elite quarterbacks find ways to elevate their play even in difficult circumstances.
The Longhorns escaped with a win, but Ewers’ struggles against Arkansas have reignited concerns about Texas’ ability to compete in the College Football Playoff. If Ewers cannot find consistency in his performances, it could spell trouble for the Longhorns as they face tougher competition in the weeks ahead.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed Ewers’ performance after the game, saying, “Quinn knows he didn’t have his best game today, but he’s resilient. We’ll work on the mistakes and move forward. He’s still our guy.”
While Sarkisian’s confidence in his quarterback remains unshaken, fans are less forgiving. The margin for error is slim at this point in the season, and Texas cannot afford another shaky outing from its leader under center
To regain the trust of the fan base and bolster Texas’ playoff chances, Ewers must address the issues that have plagued him in games like this. Improving his ability to read defenses, staying calm under pressure, and working on his deep-ball accuracy will be crucial.
It’s also worth noting that Ewers is still relatively young and learning to navigate the high expectations that come with being the face of a program like Texas. Quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee has expressed confidence in Ewers’ ability to grow from these experiences, saying, “Every quarterback goes through ups and downs. It’s how you respond that defines you.”
Quinn Ewers is undoubtedly one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, but his performance against Arkansas highlighted the inconsistencies that could hold both him and the Longhorns back. As fans and analysts continue to debate his potential, the pressure is mounting for Ewers to prove he can deliver when it matters most.
With pivotal games ahead, including potential matchups in the Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff, the spotlight on Ewers will only intensify. For now, the narrative remains clear: Quinn Ewers must find a way to channel his immense talent into consistent, high-level performances if Texas hopes to achieve its lofty goals this season.