AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 04: Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian applauds a play during the college football game between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Texas Longhorns on November 4, 2023, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At what exact moment did it become evident on Saturday at the Big House in Ann Arbor that the No. 3 Texas Longhorns were set to dominate the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines?
Grace Foulk from Maize n Brew pointed to a key play: Texas sophomore running back Quintrevion Wisner’s conversion on a 3rd and 4, which helped the Longhorns secure a 14-3 lead with 8:27 left in the second quarter. From that point, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s team maintained control and never looked back in their 31-12 victory over Michigan, reinforcing Texas’ resurgence on the national stage.
Following a 10-point win against Alabama in Tuscaloosa last year, a Big 12 title, and a College Football Playoff appearance, Sarkisian has continued to mold the Texas program in his vision. This includes signing the nation’s No. 5 recruiting class and bringing in experienced transfers to replace the 11 players drafted into the NFL in 2024.
Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of upholding the high standards set in 2023 and reinforcing the Texas football identity. “Re-establishing our brand, our style of football is crucial,” Sarkisian said before the season. “We want to play with physicality, speed, aggression, and football IQ.”
In the first 20 minutes against Michigan, Texas demonstrated each aspect of this brand. The defense showcased its physicality with sixth-year senior linebacker making a key hit, stopping Michigan’s running back, and forcing a red zone field goal.
Newcomer Ryan Wingo displayed his remarkable speed with a 55-yard end around, the longest play of the game. The play, designed to mislead the defense, was almost a 58-yard touchdown if not for a fast Michigan cornerback.
Texas also displayed their aggressive approach on the game’s first interception. When Michigan’s head coach made a risky call, Texas capitalized, disrupting the pass and leading to an interception.
Despite some controversial calls, Texas forced three turnovers, nearly achieving their goal of five. Early in the game, Quinn Ewers showcased his football IQ with a critical scramble and an impressive pump fake, exhibiting calmness and precision.
Ewers, who completed 24-of-36 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns, showed great command and avoided mistakes under pressure, while senior tight end Gunnar Helm had a standout performance, contributing significantly with seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.
As Texas embraces their new identity, Quinn Ewers echoed Sarkisian’s sentiment: “At the end of the day, we just want to continue to play our brand of football.”
The convincing victory in a stadium where Michigan had a 23-game win streak highlights Texas’ transformation under Sarkisian. With their performance, the Longhorns have shed past doubts and positioned themselves as serious national championship contenders, a status they haven’t achieved in 15 years.
Sarkisian summed it up: “None of these moments should feel too big to us anymore. This is who we are now.”
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https://www.burntorangenation.com/2024/9/8/24239053/texas-longhorns-michigan-wolverines-steve-sarkisian
