No. 11 Texas traveled to Tuscaloosa and handed Alabama its first loss of the season, upsetting the No. 3 Crimson Tide 34-24. Here’s what you need to know:
- Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers showed off his arm strength, completing 24 of 38 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns.
- Alabama QB Jalen Milroe got off to a slow start but finished with 255 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-27 passing. He tossed two interceptions, the first of which Texas’ Jahdae Barron picked early in the first quarter and the second Jerrin Thompson snagged in the fourth.
- Ja’Tavion Sanders was the Longhorns’ leading receiver with 114 yards on five catches, but AD Mitchell hauled in two of Ewers’ TD tosses. Xavier Worthy also accounted for a touchdown.
- Alabama struggled with penalties, getting hit with 10 for 90 yards.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What the win means for Texas
Last year Texas felt good keeping it close with Alabama. Though the loss hurt, the Longhorns told themselves the growth of the program was tangible by staying on the same field as mighty Alabama. This year, staying close wouldn’t have been enough. And when Alabama took control of the game late in the third quarter, it felt like a “here we go again” moment.
But no, Texas got right up after being punched in the mouth and scored 14 consecutive points on the road against the most talented team in the country. There is no telling whether Texas will be able to avoid the dumb upsets that have been so costly, but it’s fair to say this team is different. It rose to the occasion during a close game against an elite opponent on the road. If you don’t have them as one of the favorites to make the College Football Playoff now, you weren’t watching. — Wasserman
Ewers shines in the spotlight
This felt like a big day for Ewers going in, as Alabama’s defense has some legit playmakers and we needed to see both consistency and poise from the Texas junior. But also because, if we didn’t see it today, there could’ve been questions lingering over his head all year. Check, check and check. Ewers came up with two huge answers for touchdowns late after Alabama fired back twice. He was able to drive the team down the field with his arm, both times, and keep the rest of the team calm while he did so.
Ewers still has some footwork issues to iron out, but that — to me — felt like the type of day you were looking for from him. No turnovers. Pretty darn good versus pressure. Accuracy was solid and he didn’t have any quick-sand stretches where the wheels fell off. A great performance, probably the best he’s played in college — and certainly on the biggest stage he’s been on. I’ve had him as a first-rounder for a while. More proof of that tonight. — Baumgardner
Highlight of the game
target acquired 🎯
📺 https://t.co/eM6elaePIa pic.twitter.com/HBv0ek6hyT
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 10, 2023
Key stat
The loss was Alabama’s largest at home since 2004 versus South Carolina (20-3).
Required reading
(Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty)
