Longhorns Newcomer AD Mitchell Steals Show In Win Over Alabama
Playing on the big stage isn't new for Adoni "AD" Mitchell. He won two national titles and served as one of Stetson Bennett's top targets under the spotlight during his stay at Georgia.
At this point, facing Alabama in a must-win matchup is second nature for Mitchell, who transferred to Texas this offseason to be closer to family. He took on Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide twice en route to the Bulldogs' first national title bout in 2021, totaling three catches for 58 yards and a score.
Mitchell could have stayed in Athens. He could have built a rapport with new quarterback Carson Beck, become a household name in the SEC and potentially lead Georgia to its third national title in three seasons. He could have faced off against Ball State Saturday and been a fine target that likely would have been a footnote in the Sunday headlines.
Instead, Mitchell was the x-factor in Saturday's 34-24 win over third-ranked Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. And while he wasn't the headliner, the Longhorns would've likely fallen apart in the final quarter without his services.
"What this game served for coming in here was going to be a benchmark and a barometer of what we're capable of, and what the potential is of this team," Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said postgame. "To come in here knowing that in the last 53 games Alabama was 52-1 in this stadium, and now, to come in here and get the win in the fashion that we did, I thought we played a dominating brand of football in all three phases. We have the potential to do something special this year."
Mitchell was special. The entire offensive game plan was dialed up to catch Alabama (1-1) tripping at the right time, but it could only work with the proper personnel.
The No. 11 Longhorns (2-0) know what Xavier Worthy can do as a vertical threat for Quinn Ewers downfield. They also know Mitchell can open up the passing game with smooth route-running and sure-fire hands, forcing defensive backs to shade his way.
And on plays where Worthy would draw the double teams, No. 5 seemed ready to head to the end zone for six.
Mitchell caught three passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns, both coming during crucial drives as a call to respond.
Alabama's Jalen Milore uncorked a 49-yard pass to Jermaine Burton to give the Crimson Tide life and the lead in the closing seconds of the third quarter. Ewers methodically moved the ball with ease, finding Ja'Tavion Sanders for a gain of 50 before connecting with Mitchell on a 7-yard slant.
Advantage Texas with 14 minutes to play.
© Aaron E. Martinez, USA TODAY
The touchdown only occured because of Mitchell's ability to create mismatches in man coverage. Ewers initially targeted the Missouri City product to open the quarter, but he drew a pass interference call against Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold that moved Texas up 15 yards to the UT 43.
Mitchell again found a crease through the Alabama iron-clad defense for a 39-yard score with 8:39 remaining. At that point, Texas' job was to force a quick three-and-out and run down the clock.
Mission accomplished. A party cascaded in Burnt Orange awaited the team back at the tarmac in Austin.
"I don't think it's really quite sunk in yet, what we did here, but I know we're going to enjoy this one," Ewers said. "I couldn't be more fired up."
Ewers gracefully took on the leading man title in front of a hostile Bryant-Denny Stadium crowd. The redshirt sophomore wasn't looking for revenge from a 20-19 loss this time last season at home but rather reassurance of what the team already knew.
The Longhorns could have won last season's bout in Austin based on talent. But the game plan was scrapped when Ewers left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, forcing Sarkisian to turn to Hudson Card.
Ewers had to make up for lost time, and picked up where he left off last fall. His final throw in the matchup at DRK came on a 46-yard blast to Worthy. His first touchdown pass went right back to No. 1, only this time for 44 yards.
"Quinn's a dog," defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat said. "I'm not surprised."
Ewers finished an inspiring 24 for 38 passing for 349 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He never wavered under the pressure and continued to counterattack with blows that pushed Alabama up against the ropes.
"He got through his reads and never got stuck on his first read and was able to bounce back when we needed him," said Sarkisian.
“It can be a springboard for Quinn if he can recreate the habits he showed tonight.”
Mitchell, who is now 2-1 against the Tide, was built for these moments. He was developed to be the difference-maker in defining games.
Sometimes, one must be the leading man while others play roles as members of the supporting cast. But every great story has a scene-stealer.
Mitchell's final scamper to the end zone will be the moment Longhorns across the country remember.
“I was blowing kisses (to the crowd),” said Mitchell. “But they were nice kisses. I love everybody.”
