The Texas Longhorns’ thrilling 34-24 victory over Arkansas this past weekend has certainly captured the attention of college football fans nationwide. It was a hard-fought win that featured impressive individual performances, strategic coaching decisions, and a resilient effort from a team poised to make a splash in the Big 12. But as always in college football, a win can spark over-the-top reactions from analysts, fans, and commentators alike. In the case of Texas’s triumph over the Razorbacks, there were several reactions that might be jumping the gun. Let’s break down three of the biggest overreactions following the Longhorns’ victory.
1. Texas Is Suddenly Back as a National Title Contender
Following the win against Arkansas, many pundits were quick to announce that Texas is back as a legitimate contender for the national championship. While it’s certainly true that the Longhorns looked impressive in spots, it’s far too early to claim they’re ready to compete for a title.
The hype around Texas football has been a tale as old as time. Every year, it seems there’s a new reason to believe the Longhorns are primed for greatness. But let’s not forget that this is still a program that has not won a conference championship since 2009, and their last appearance in the College Football Playoff was in 2019—a season that ended in disappointing fashion with a loss to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Arkansas, while competitive, is not a team at the level of the elite programs Texas would need to overcome to make a true playoff run.
Texas does boast an explosive offense with playmakers like Xavier Worthy and Bijan Robinson, and a promising defense that’s beginning to find its rhythm. But they’ve only played a few games, and Arkansas was just one test. Texas will face much tougher opponents as the season progresses, including Oklahoma, Baylor, and potentially Kansas State—each of which has the potential to expose weaknesses that haven’t yet been fully tested.
While it’s great to see Texas on the up-and-up, let’s pump the brakes on calling them a national title contender just yet. There’s a long road ahead, and history has shown that Texas still has a ways to go before it can consistently compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State at the national level.
2. Quinn Ewers Is the Clear Answer at Quarterback for Texas
One of the most talked-about storylines in the aftermath of the game was the performance of Texas freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers had an impressive outing against Arkansas, throwing for over 225 yards and two touchdowns, displaying poise and precision despite being a first-year starter. This led some to anoint Ewers as the long-term solution to Texas’s quarterback woes.
However, the assumption that Ewers is now “the guy” for Texas is a bit premature. Yes, he showed flashes of brilliance, but it’s important to consider the bigger picture. This was just his second start of the season, and while he’s a highly touted recruit with a big arm and plenty of potential, it’s essential to evaluate his performance over a longer stretch before declaring him the savior of Texas football.
There are still concerns about Ewers’s consistency. In the opening game of the season, he threw an interception and struggled with accuracy at times. Additionally, Texas’s offensive line has had issues protecting the quarterback in the past, which could cause problems against stronger defensive fronts as the season progresses. To anoint Ewers as the definitive answer for the Longhorns at this stage could end up being as risky as betting on a single good game to define a quarterback’s career. Let’s see how he performs over the next few weeks before making any long-term assumptions.
3. Arkansas Is a Team in Crisis After Losing to Texas
On the flip side, another popular narrative is the notion that Arkansas is in a state of crisis following their loss to Texas. Some have quickly jumped to conclusions, stating that Sam Pittman’s program is regressing after showing so much promise last season. This could not be further from the truth.
Yes, Arkansas’s defense struggled at times against the Texas offense, and the team’s offensive line seemed overmatched by the Longhorns’ defensive front. But let’s not forget that Arkansas is still rebuilding and facing a difficult schedule in the SEC. The Razorbacks are not on the same tier as Texas in terms of overall talent, and this game shouldn’t be viewed as a death knell for their season. In fact, Arkansas was able to make adjustments and rally late in the game, showing signs of resilience and potential for future growth.
Pittman has already proven he can lead the program to success, and there’s no reason to believe the Razorbacks won’t bounce back. After all, their first SEC game is next week, and the conference is known for testing teams early and often. A loss to Texas doesn’t define their season, and it’s a bit of an overreaction to declare their campaign in disarray based on one game.
Conclusion: A Long Way to Go for Both Teams
In the aftermath of Texas’s resilient win over Arkansas, the rush to either elevate or condemn both teams is a classic case of overreaction. While Texas fans have reason to be excited, it’s still too early to declare them a national contender or anointed champions. Likewise, Arkansas has plenty of room to grow and shouldn’t be written off after one loss. College football is a marathon, not a sprint, and the storylines surrounding these two teams will evolve as the season progresses. So let’s hold off on the bold proclamations and enjoy the journey ahead.