Ewers Shines, Longhorns Tame Crimson Tide 34-24 In Tuscaloosa
The Texas Longhorns are off to a quick start against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, jumping out to an early 13-6 lead.
And for all intents and purposes, it seemed like the Longhorns had the game in control.
However, as Nick Saban coached teams usually do, it was not that easy, with Alabama making a serious push and taking the lead in the second half.
It was then, however, that we saw something we have not seen the Longhorns do in quite some time.
They responded, and re-took control, finishing off the Crimson Tide and securing a 34-24 upset win in Tuscaloosa.
Quinn Ewers, who was knocked out of last year's game early on after a vicious hit, was able to finish the second round vs. the Tide, and for all intents and purposes, it was perhaps his most impressive performance as a Longhorn.
Maybe not statistically in terms of raw numbers. But in terms of game management and poise, Ewers was as good as ever, completing 24 of 34 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns, including a beautiful moonshot score to Xavier Worthy.
He also led the Horns on an impressive fourth-quarter drive in response to an Alabama score, to put Texas back on top.
© John David Mercer, USA TODAY
It was on defense, however, that the Longhorns might have been even better, particularly early, jumping on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe from the jump and making his night extremely uncomfortable, and forcing multiple turnovers from the Texas native.
The second of which, led to another quick Texas touchdown from Jonothan Brooks, and a 27-16 lead from Texas.
After that, the game was firmly in the Longhorns' hands, and Texas was able to finish the fight completing perhaps the biggest upset for the program in recent memory.
So is Texas now - finally - back? They still have a lot of work to do to prove just that.
But for now, with the upset of the No. 3 Crimson Tide, and a rebound matchup with Wyoming now in front of them, one thing is clear...
The Longhorns are a force to be reckoned with.
And Steve Sarkisian is here to stay.
