Ewers and Jamison Flash as Texas Dominates IN Opener
The season opener always brings excitement for fans and this year it was no different in Texas. An exciting new starting quarterback, returning and new playmakers all over the field and a renewed sense of optimism fell over DKR Stadium. The Longhorns would repay their fans faith, with a dominant 52-10 victory over the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. The result was never in question, but a dominant performance was needed to stop the doubts that have crippled this program for years creeping back. Dominance is exactly what occurred.
New starting Quarterback Quinn Ewers shook off an early interception and his car getting towed to throw for two touchdowns in a composed performance. In the rushing game, Bijan Robinson started his Heisman campaign with 71 yards and a touchdown on a light 10 carries. His 12 total touches is a perfectly light workload to ease him into the season and with Alabama visiting Austin next week, it was important Robinson got some work without adding too much fatigue.
However, it was sophomore Tight End Ja’Tavion Sanders who stole the show on offense. Quickly marking himself out as Ewers’ favourite target, the Texas native caught all 6 of his targets for 85 yards. The stat line itself isn’t other worldly, but the context of the catches is impressive. Two came on fourth down, including on the drive just after the Ewers interception and one was taken for a touchdown on the same important drive. If Texas wants their young quarterback to make progress over the course of the season whilst staying competitive, the emergence of a safety blanket at tight end will be welcomed.
Whilst the offense flashed, it was the defense that truly dominated in impressive fashion. D’Shawn Jamison blocked the first ULM punt of the game and snagged himself a pick-6 in a dynamic display. He was backed up by the dynamic duo of Barryn Sorrell and DeMarvion Overshown, who both heard their names called multiple times throughout the night. Overshown was used as a chess piece all night long, sometimes in coverage, sometimes rushing the passer. Agent O flashed some Jamal Adams in his game last night, this versatility will be key as the Longhorns gameplan for a near impossible task next week when the tide come to town.
Overall, a successful season opener for the Longhorns and Sarkisian, the eyes of the college football world will be on them next week and getting through this no-win game without drama is as close to a boost as you can get. Texas fans aren’t used to this program taking care of business, they’ll be relieved they can get excited for next week without any worries.
Player of the Week: D'Shawn Jamison
A do it all performance for the Longhorns dynamo. The blocked punt was the perfect start to the season and the pick-6 puts Jamison in a rare club of players who have a punt, kick and interception return for a touchdown at Texas.
Honourable mentions: Ja’Tavion Sanders, Barryn Sorrell.
Looking Ahead: Alabama
The nations number 1 team Alabama head to Austin next week, they predictably dispatched of Utah State 55-0 in their season opener. Quarterback Bryce Young is going to be one of Bijan’s contenders for the Heisman and he got his campaign off to an eye-catching start throwing for 5 touchdowns. Texas will start the game as the underdog, but with the growing list of playmakers on both sides of the ball, you’d be a fool to count them out.
