The debate over whether Texas should have benched Quinn Ewers in a high-stakes matchup against Georgia (UGA) has sparked passionate conversations across the college football landscape. With the weight of the Longhorns’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, every decision on the field is critical—and none more so than who stands under center. Was Texas’ loyalty to Ewers a misstep, or would benching him have been too drastic? Let’s dive into the controversy.
Quinn Ewers: A Promising Star with Inconsistencies
Quinn Ewers, one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Texas. His arm strength, poise, and playmaking ability earned him the starting job, and his talent has been undeniable at times. But with great promise comes great expectations. Ewers’ performance in key games has been inconsistent, leading some to question whether he was the right quarterback to face Georgia’s fierce defense.
In a game that demanded precision and leadership, Ewers struggled to establish a rhythm. His inability to connect on key throws and move the chains during crucial moments raised questions. Could a change under center have provided the spark Texas needed to keep pace with UGA’s relentless offense?
Why Benching Ewers Would Have Been Controversial
The idea of benching a quarterback with Ewers’ potential is not one taken lightly. It’s a move that could shatter a player’s confidence, disrupt team chemistry, and invite media scrutiny. In the eyes of some, benching him would have been a knee-jerk reaction to a bad stretch rather than a calculated football decision. For a player heralded as the future of the program, the optics of a benching might have been worse than riding out the storm.
Yet, this very reluctance to consider a change has its critics. They argue that the loyalty to Ewers may have blinded Texas’ coaching staff to the real problem: he wasn’t getting it done when it mattered most. In a must-win game against an elite defense like Georgia’s, you can’t afford to wait for your quarterback to “figure it out.” Some contend that head coach Steve Sarkisian should have been more willing to roll the dice and make a bold change.
Was Hudson Card a Viable Option?
Critics of Ewers’ performance point to Texas’ backup quarterback, Hudson Card, as a possible solution. Card, a more experienced quarterback with a steadier hand, had stepped in previously during Ewers’ injuries and performed admirably. Many believed that his skillset and ability to manage a game could have provided the offensive stability Texas sorely needed.
Benching Ewers in favor of Card would not have been without precedent. Big-name programs often turn to their backups in crunch time—look no further than Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa replacing Jalen Hurts in the 2018 national championship game. But the real question is whether Sarkisian was willing to take that gamble, especially with Ewers representing the future of the Longhorns’ program.
The Future of Quinn Ewers and Texas Football
This decision, whether right or wrong, will have lasting implications on the trajectory of Texas football. For Ewers, this game may become a defining moment in his career. A quarterback benched in a critical game often faces doubts about his ability to lead. Even if Texas stuck with him, Ewers will need to bounce back with stronger performances to silence his critics.
On the other hand, if Texas falters again in future matchups, Sarkisian’s decision to keep Ewers on the field will continue to be scrutinized. Was it blind faith in his quarterback or an unwillingness to make the tough call? Only time will tell whether Texas made the right choice, but the echoes of this decision will resonate for seasons to come.
Conclusion: Should Ewers Have Been Benched?
The answer ultimately depends on your perspective. If you believe in letting your star quarterback battle through adversity, then sticking with Ewers was the right call. But if you prioritize winning over potential, then it’s hard to ignore the argument that Texas should have made the switch. Either way, this decision will remain a hot topic of debate among Longhorns fans and college football analysts alike.
Should Texas have benched Quinn Ewers against UGA? The controversy rages on.