How Does Texas QB Quinn Ewers Match Up Against Washington's Defense?

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has blossomed into being one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football.

By the time bowl season rolled around last year for the Texas Longhorns, there were still questions about just how good Quinn Ewers could be.

He had come off a stretch after the Iowa State win in 2022, that saw him go five weeks without completing at least 60 percent of his passes, and he threw as many interceptions (4) as he did touchdowns. 

By that point in the season, Ewers was essentially taken out of the gameplan by Steve Sarkisian, who instead just force-fed his stable of running backs, taking all pressure off of Ewers.

Quinn Ewers throws a pass against Washington / Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

When it was bowl game season, there were positive signs of improved footwork and confidence in the first-year starter. Now that Ewers is in his second season as the starter, he has gone from a game manager (at best), to a game-breaker. 

He routinely makes big throws for Texas, and a mistake from Ewers is about as rare as snow in the desert. Last season against the Husky defense, Ewers threw for a career-high 369 yards on 31-of-47 passing (66%) and added a touchdown. 

This season, Ewers is looking to avenge the Alamo Bowl loss, but more importantly, help Texas win their first College Football Playoff game against Washington. It's expected to be a shootout, and Texas will need Ewers to go blow-for-blow with Washington's elite passer, Michael Penix Jr.

Michael Penix Jr. Is Washington's Biggest Advantage vs. Texas

Something that is there for the taking, when you consider how poor Washington's secondary has been this season as they rank No. 120 in the country in terms of passing yards allowed per game. In terms of their four secondary members with the most coverage snaps, the highest grade in coverage according to PFF is 77.0.

Look for Ewers to target the defense in between the numbers, as he has thrown 13 of his 21 touchdowns in the middle of the field. If Texas' offensive line can keep Bralen Trice out of Ewers' face, Ewers should have no issue picking apart this defense if he just takes what they give him.

This is without a doubt the biggest test of Ewers' young career, and the signs point to him having a prime chance to make a statement.