Ewers with 2 TD passes in Texas debut, a 52-10 win over ULM

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Quinn Ewers handed for 225 yards and two touchdowns in his debut at quarterback for Texas and the Longhorns rolled over Louisiana-Monroe 52-10 Saturday night time within the season-opener for each packages.

The win towards an overmatched opponent was nonetheless a much-needed one for second-year coach Steve Sarkisian after the Longhorns went 5-7 in 2021. Texas subsequent week hosts No. 1 Alabama, the place Sarkisian was offensive coordinator when the Crimson Tide gained the nationwide championship in 2020.

Ewers was one of many prime recruits within the nation out of highschool close to Dallas however skipped his senior season and enrolled at Ohio State. He was buried on the Buckeyes’ depth chart and took simply two snaps final season earlier than transferring. He gained the beginning job over Hudson Card, who was the Texas starter to open the 2021 season.

Ewers stated he was surprisingly calm in his first faculty begin.

“I didn’t have any butterflies going into as we speak. A bit of bit on the primary play, however not at the same time as a lot as I did in highschool,” Ewers stated. “I preferred it. I loved the sport.”

Ewers had a strong night time regardless of some struggles to hit deep throws and his greatest performs got here on catch-and-run hookups his receivers become lengthy good points. His favourite goal on the night time was tight finish Ja’Tavion Sanders, who caught six passes for 85 yards and a first-quarter touchdown.

Bijan Robinson completed with 111 whole yards on 13 touches, and two third-quarter touchdowns on a 16-yard catch and a 9-yard run. The third-year working again has a landing in 12 of his final 13 video games.

“It’s a number of enjoyable,” Ewers stated of the Texas offensive and its a number of playmakers. “Particularly when issues are clicking on all ranges.”

THE TAKEAWAY

ULM: The Warhawks have been constantly overwhelmed on the line of scrimmage, seldom leaving Chandler Rogers any time to seek out standout receiver Boogie Knight. The Warhawks gained simply 259 whole yards, gave up eight tackles for losses, and Knight managed simply 4 catches for 26 yards.

“They have been simply higher than us in all phases and we wanted some breaks right here or there to maintain this sport shut,” Louisiana-Monroe coach Terry Bowden stated. “They have been the higher soccer crew and so they’ll be the higher soccer crew tomorrow.”

Texas: Sarkisian predicted there could be some misfires and rising pains from his younger quarterback and he was proper. Ewers first go try was late to a large open receiver and damaged up. His second was a throw into protection that was intercepted, a turnover that arrange a Warhawks area aim. However Ewers rebounded properly with seven consecutive completions, together with his first profession landing to Sanders .

“I don’t assume anyone desires to throw an interception on their second profession go,” Sarkisian stated. “It was a very good lesson for him. He tried to power a throw.”

Sarkisian stated he didn’t attempt to dial down the offense after the turnover.

“You’ll be able to’t count on him to journey this bike and do it with coaching wheels on. I’ve bought to let him go,” Sarkisian stated.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Texas’ first factors of the season got here on a punt block lower than two minutes into the sport. A bull rush up the center opened a spot for D’Shawn Jamison, who was so near the punter that the kick went proper into his intestine. Keilan Robinson’s scoop and rating from 12 yards made it 7-0.

Sarkisian stated he predicted a blocked punt on the opening collection.

“That’s precisely how this factor began,” he stated.

BOOKEND BIG PLAYS

Jamison’s punt block was simply his first large play. He made one other within the third quarter when he turned an interception off a tipped go right into a 69-yard touchdown.

ALABAMA TRANSFERS

Sarkisian stated Alabama switch large receiver Agiye Corridor is again with the crew after he was suspended following an arrest for misdemeanor legal mischief, suggesting he may play subsequent week towards his former crew. However Sarkisian stated one other Alabama switch, tight finish Jahleel Billingsley, is serving a six-game NCAA suspension for one thing the coach stated occurred throughout his time at Alabama. He didn’t elaborate.

UP NEXT

ULM hosts Nicholls on Saturday.

Texas hosts No. 1 Alabama in what’s shaping up because the nationwide sport of the week between two future SEC opponents. The Longhorns are scheduled to depart the Large 12 in 2025.

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