The Texas Longhorns stormed into Ann Arbor on Saturday with a chip on their shoulders and something to prove. Facing the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines in one of the most hostile environments in college football—the Big House—Texas delivered a statement performance in the first half, heading into the locker room with a commanding 24-3 lead.
Leading the charge for the No. 3 Longhorns was quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has been nothing short of sensational. Ewers completed 18 of his 26 pass attempts for 203 yards and two touchdowns, putting Texas firmly in control. His precision and poise under pressure were on full display, carving up a Michigan defense that struggled to keep pace with the explosive Texas offense.
Ewers, already riding a hot streak, appears poised to extend his streak of six consecutive games with 300 or more passing yards against ranked opponents. With his strong first-half performance, he has put himself in a prime position to hit that milestone once again.
Texas’ success, however, was not solely due to their offensive prowess. The Longhorns’ defense played a pivotal role in shutting down Michigan’s offensive rhythm. Through two quarters, the Wolverines managed just 88 total yards, unable to find any answers to Texas’ aggressive defensive front. Michigan quarterback Davis Warren, who entered the game looking to make a statement of his own, had a tough time finding his groove. Warren completed only 8 of 11 passes for a meager 49 yards and threw an interception, which further stifled Michigan’s chances of mounting a meaningful offensive drive.
The Wolverines’ ground game, typically a strong suit, was completely neutralized by Texas’ front seven. Michigan’s running backs combined for only 39 rushing yards, making it difficult for the home team to establish any sort of rhythm on offense. In contrast, Texas’ ability to dominate both sides of the ball highlighted their balanced and well-rounded game plan.
A critical moment came midway through the second quarter when Michigan was driving deep into Texas territory, hoping to cut into the Longhorns’ lead. On a third-down play from the 25-yard line, Warren attempted to force a pass into tight coverage, only to have it picked off by Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron. The interception halted Michigan’s momentum and set up a quick Texas scoring drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to wide receiver Xavier Worthy, extending the Longhorns’ lead to 24-3.
The Michigan defense, which had been lauded for its physicality and ability to disrupt opponents, found itself repeatedly on its heels. In addition to Ewers’ precision passing, the Longhorns’ offensive line provided solid protection, giving their quarterback plenty of time to survey the field. Receivers Jordan Whittington and Adonai Mitchell were consistent threats, combining for 11 catches and nearly 150 yards between them by halftime.
With the second half looming, Michigan faces an uphill battle to overcome the substantial deficit. If the Wolverines are to make a comeback, they will need a monumental effort from Warren and their running backs, alongside a revitalized defense that can slow down Ewers and the Texas offense.
On the other side, Texas is in the driver’s seat. If the Longhorns can maintain their momentum and avoid mistakes, they are well on their way to securing a signature road win against a highly-ranked opponent, bolstering their College Football Playoff aspirations. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, undoubtedly pleased with his team’s first-half performance, will be urging his players to keep their foot on the gas as they look to close out what could be a defining victory for the program.
As the teams head into the second half, all eyes will remain on Quinn Ewers, who continues to build his case as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. If Texas can finish the job, this will be a win to remember for Longhorns fans everywhere—especially those who braved the intimidating atmosphere of Michigan Stadium to support their team.
