Quinn Ewers of Texas was targeted by Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State. How was that?
The struggle between coaches for control of top players in college football frequently determines whether a season is successful or frustrating. In this regard, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham’s pursuit of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers was one of the more exciting events of the 2024 campaign. Experienced coach Dillingham, who is renowned for his creative offensive tactics, saw a chance to take on Ewers, a quarterback with a lot of potential but also some weaknesses.
In a late-season game that ended up being one of the most talked-about of the season, Ewers—who had high expectations going into the 2024 season following a strong start to his career at Texas—found himself at the center of Arizona State’s defensive scheme. In addition to the Longhorns’ offensive skill, the matchup focused on how Arizona State would counter Ewers’ advantages while taking advantage of his disadvantages. This post will explain Dillingham’s targeting of Ewers, the Texas quarterback’s reaction, and the implications for both schools..
The Build-Up: Why Target Quinn Ewers?
Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit, came into Texas with enormous expectations. His physical talent was undeniable—standing tall at 6-foot-2 and possessing a powerful arm that can make every throw on the field. Ewers quickly showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker for the Longhorns, providing hope for Texas fans who had been waiting for a transcendent quarterback to lead their team back to national prominence.
However, for all of his raw talent, Ewers’ performance had been somewhat inconsistent. He struggled with accuracy in certain high-pressure situations and had been known to throw interceptions when facing aggressive defensive fronts. While Ewers’ potential was still evident, there were questions about his decision-making and ability to handle pressure, especially against high-caliber defenses.
This inconsistency didn’t go unnoticed by Kenny Dillingham and the Arizona State coaching staff. Dillingham, who has built a reputation for emphasizing high-energy, aggressive defenses, understood that if the Sun Devils were going to have any shot at upsetting Texas, they would need to rattle Ewers. The plan was to apply heavy pressure and force him into uncomfortable situations, aiming to exploit the moments when Ewers seemed most prone to mistakes.
Arizona State’s defensive game plan centered on creating chaos in the pocket, making Ewers feel rushed, and preventing him from having the time he needed to let plays develop. Dillingham knew that the Texas offense, while explosive, was built on a mix of solid offensive line play and a quarterback who could make quick decisions under duress. If Ewers was forced into making rushed decisions, Arizona State could capitalize on his occasional lapses in judgment.
Arizona State’s Defensive Strategy: Pressuring Ewers
From the opening whistle, Arizona State’s defense looked to execute its plan of rattling Ewers. The Sun Devils brought heavy pressure from multiple angles, utilizing blitzes from linebackers and safeties to keep Ewers guessing. They made it clear that their goal was to disrupt the rhythm of the Texas offense, and they did so by attacking the edges of the offensive line, often forcing Ewers to step up in the pocket or scramble out of bounds.
The Sun Devils’ defensive front was aggressive, moving defenders around to confuse Ewers pre-snap. Arizona State’s defensive coordinator dialed up a variety of stunts and twist schemes to ensure that Ewers couldn’t get comfortable. Their goal was not only to sack him but to force him into making erratic throws under pressure.
Despite Texas’ solid offensive line, Arizona State’s ability to generate consistent pressure did lead to a few key moments of discomfort for Ewers. On several occasions, he was forced to throw the ball away or deliver a pass under duress, which resulted in a couple of errant throws and an interception. This interception, which came in the second quarter, was a turning point in the game. Ewers attempted to fit a ball into tight coverage downfield, but the throw lacked the accuracy needed to complete it. Arizona State’s cornerback capitalized on the miscue, providing a boost for the Sun Devils.
Additionally, Arizona State was able to disrupt Ewers’ timing with his receivers. Ewers thrives when he has the ability to get into a rhythm with his wideouts, especially with Texas’ talented receiving corps. But the Sun Devils’ defensive backs played tight, physical coverage, limiting Ewers’ options and forcing him to hold the ball longer than he wanted. This added to the pressure on the young quarterback and led to missed opportunities for big plays.
Ewers’ Response: Growth Under Fire
While Arizona State’s defensive strategy was effective in rattling Ewers at times, it’s important to note how the Texas quarterback responded. One of the hallmarks of his growth in the 2024 season was his ability to recover from setbacks and remain poised when facing adversity. Despite the interception and several near-mistakes, Ewers showed resilience throughout the game.
In the second half, as Arizona State’s defense began to tire and the game entered its critical phases, Ewers began to settle into a rhythm. Texas adjusted their offensive strategy by utilizing quicker throws, such as slants and screen passes, which allowed Ewers to get the ball out faster and neutralize the pressure. His ability to read the defense pre-snap also improved, helping him avoid the chaos Arizona State had created in the first half.
Ewers’ deep ball accuracy, which had been a point of focus during his early career, was on full display in the second half. After shaking off some of the pressure and regaining his confidence, he connected on a series of impressive downfield throws that showcased his arm strength and poise. One of these came in the fourth quarter, when Ewers found wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a 40-yard touchdown that gave Texas the lead. The throw was perfectly placed, and it was a sign of Ewers’ ability to bounce back and make key plays when his team needed him most.
The Final Outcome: A Narrow Win for Texas
Despite Arizona State’s strong defensive game plan, the Longhorns were able to hold off the Sun Devils, securing a narrow victory. The game ended with a final score of 31-24 in favor of Texas, and while Ewers’ performance wasn’t flawless, it was ultimately enough to push his team to victory. The Longhorns’ offense adjusted well in the second half, and Ewers’ ability to perform under pressure allowed them to escape with the win.
For Dillingham and Arizona State, the game provided valuable lessons. Their defensive strategy had its moments of success, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to shut down Ewers and the Texas offense for the full 60 minutes. Arizona State’s inability to finish the job in the final stages of the game highlighted the importance of maintaining pressure and discipline when facing top-tier quarterbacks like Ewers.
What This Means for Ewers and Texas
For Ewers, the game against Arizona State represented a significant moment in his development as a quarterback. While he was tested by a defensive strategy designed to expose his weaknesses, his ability to adapt, bounce back, and lead his team to victory spoke volumes about his maturation. Moving forward, Ewers will need to continue refining his decision-making, particularly under pressure. If he can continue to improve in these areas, he will only grow more dangerous as a quarterback, not just in the College Football Playoff but in the NFL draft discussions as well.
As for Texas, the game served as a reminder that even elite quarterbacks like Ewers can be rattled. If the Longhorns are to make a deep run in the postseason, they will need to ensure that their offensive line remains strong and that Ewers can execute in high-pressure situations. With a few adjustments and continued growth from Ewers, Texas can be a formidable contender for the national championship.
In the end, Kenny Dillingham’s targeting of Ewers showed the vulnerability of even the most talented quarterbacks and proved that, in college football, there are no easy games—especially when a smart, aggressive coach is involved.
