Steve Sarkisian discusses composure of Quinn Ewers, Texas after Peach Bowl win vs. Arizona State

Two overtimes were required but Texas is through to the College Football Playoff semifinal. Arizona State gave Steve Sarkisian and his team everything they had, nearly pulling off an incredible upset. But the play of Quinn Ewers in the overtimes proved to be too much in the Peach Bowl.

“What a swing of emotions throughout this entire game,” Sarkisian said during his on-field postgame interview with ESPN. “One thing that’s been true about our team all year is their resiliency. We continue to fight back regardless of what odds we’re up against. Some great plays there in overtime. We stubbed our toe there a little, we need to play better football than we played today. But surely, man, our fight was pretty cool.”

Before anyone in Atlanta could blink, Texas was seemingly running away with the game. Silas Bolden‘s punt return put them up 14-3 as Arizona State’s offense continued to stall when nearing the red zone.

Tides changed when coming out of the halftime locker room and Cam Skattebo got rolling. Just as fast as Texas was up, they were suddenly in a tied game. Incredible plays from the running back was taking over the college football world.

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Some assistance from the Texas side came too with a Ewers interception setting up the game-tying drive in the fourth quarter — potentially being an all too familiar moment for the fanbase.

Flash forward to overtime after two missed Texas field goals and Ewers came back to life. He hit Matthew Golden on a 4th and 13 play with everything on the line. One play later in 2OT, Ewers connected with Gunnar Helm for what wound up being the game-winning score.

In a situation where anyone could have been nervous and let the moment be too big, Ewers was the “model of composure” for the entire Texas team.

“If I can be the model of composure and Quinn can be the model of composure and poise, that permeates throughout our team. Some great plays. (Andrew) Mukuba with a great pick, Matt Golden, Gunnar Helm. Bunch of guys making big plays.”

Sarkisian is hoping the composure from Ewers continues for two more games. Next up is the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, facing the winner of Ohio State–Oregon.

As the head coach said, Texas will need to play better football against one of those two but for now, Sarkisian is happy to be advance to the CFP semifinals.