Ewers’ pass ‘on point’ as Texas hands Michigan its first loss since 2022

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Top-10 opponents continue to bring out the best in Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.

On Saturday, Ewers delivered another gem on the road, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns as the Longhorns beat No. 10 Michigan in The Big House, 31-12.

Ewers is now the only FBS quarterback in the country since the start of last season to throw three touchdowns without an interception against multiple AP top-10 opponents, according to ESPN Stats & Info; Ewers also led Texas to a victory at Alabama last season.

“There’s something special about Quinn in his demeanor. He’s a very calm guy. He’s very collected. He never gets carried away by emotion,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “When you have a quarterback that everybody can believe in, it builds confidence and a belief that, ‘Hey, let’s do our part, because the guy that’s holding the ball every play, he’s the one that’s on point.’”

Ewers proved himself again against the defending national champions, as the third-ranked Longhorns moved the ball at will against a defense that featured multiple first-round NFL draft picks.

Behind Ewers, the Longhorns converted seven of their first eight attempts on third down. Ewers nearly converted the other one, but his 24-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive was negated by a holding call.

After a missed field goal on that opening drive, Texas scored points on its next four possessions to take command and a 24-3 halftime lead.

“I just enjoy the big moments,” Ewers said.

With the win, Texas took a big step toward returning to the playoffs after making it there last year. The Longhorns lost in the Sugar Bowl semifinals to Washington, even though Ewers threw for 318 yards in the 37-31 loss.

“I thought he played very efficiently,” Sarkisian said of Michigan’s performance. “He completed passes. I didn’t feel like there was a forced throw today.”

The 19-point victory was Texas’ biggest road win against a top-10 opponent since 1979, when the Longhorns beat Missouri, 21-0. It also handed the Wolverines their first overall loss since losing to TCU in the 2022 College Football Playoff and their first home loss since 2020.

“When we were at Alabama, we were trying to prove, not only to ourselves, but to everybody, what kind of team we were,” Ewers said. “Coming here and doing the job … it’s pretty much the same thing.”