ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Quinn Ewers has played his best games against some of Texas’ best opponents in the biggest arenas, which is easy to explain.
“I enjoy great moments,” he said.
Hardly any success was greater than last year in Tuscaloosa, when he led the Longhorns to a victory over third-place Alabama with a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Then he added to his resume on Saturday with a convincing 31-12 win at the Big House against 10th-ranked Team Michigan.
Ewer’s numbers – 24 of 36 for 246 yards and three touchdowns – don’t read as well as his performance on the field seemed.
He forced one pass that was incomplete, but otherwise made sure not to give Michigan a chance by losing the ball and threw strikes when he was forced out of the pocket.
“I thought he was really in control all day,” Steve Sarkisian said. “He made his shots when they were there, but he also took care of the ball very well.”
And his teammates took care of him when a Michigan player took liberties with Ewers after he took a knee within reach of the goal line on Saturday.
Michigan’s Cameron Brandt didn’t run directly into Ewers on this play, but he got a little too close. Hayden Conner pushed back, and in the next moment players from both teams were getting to know each other face to face. Texas’ DJ Campbell and Michigan’s Kenneth Grant were assessed unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Not so long ago, such an attitude would not have provoked a knee-jerk reaction from one of their own.
“Nobody likes to see their quarterback getting pushed around,” Sarkisian said. “We have a tight-knit group. These guys fight together.”
Ewers appreciated it.
“For a quarterback,” he said, “that’s the best feeling in the world.”
When asked what effect Ewers’ calm demeanor has on the rest of the team, Sarkisian said it eases everyone’s nerves when the No. 3 is on the field.
Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s first-year head coach, said Ewers’ play made it harder for his defense, which had suffered from the poor performance of his offense.
“When you lose three games and come out,” he said, “and you put a good offense on the field with a great quarterback and a good offensive line, that’s what happens.”
Twitter: @KSherringtonDMN
For more Texas coverage from the Dallas Morning News, click here.
For more college sports coverage from the Dallas Morning News, click here.
