Steve Sarkisian reflects on Quinn Ewers' growth since Oklahoma State last year

Steve Sarkisian, Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns are reflecting on what happened the last time they met the Oklahoma State Cowboys ahead of the Big 12 title game.

The Longhorns still have painful memories of last year’s game against the Cowboys. After storming out to an early lead, Texas watched Oklahoma State score the final 17 points of the game to come out on top 41-34.

Speaking on last season’s showdown, Sarkisian explained where he’s seen his quarterback grow since that night against Oklahoma State.

“Games like that are part of the growing pains of playing the position. When you get on the road, and you get in a hostile environment, and early on things are going your way, and then things start not going your way for a variety of reasons,” Sarkisian said. “In that game, we had a couple of opportunities for some big plays and we didn’t pass protect very well for him. Then we had a couple opportunities for some big plays and we didn’t catch the ball very well for him. Then all of a sudden he misses a couple of throws and those types of things can snowball on you. I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned, and I think Quinn has learned that I’ve learned about him, is his demeanor.

“When things about him haven’t gone great, for example the interception Friday night when he was trying to hit the fade to AD Mitchell. I thought his poise, his composure really showed through, and he was able to come right back and still execute at a high level. A year ago, it might’ve been more of a challenge to bounce back from that type of play. But he’s learning how to respond to those things, to learn from them and then to put them to the side. Focus on the next task, the next play and what’s asked of him. So I think there’s a mental maturity side from him, that you’re seeing a lot of growth and a lot of maturity.”

Alas, that’s certainly the approach Sarkisian’s quarterback is taking as well. Ewers isn’t harping on what happened in the past, and only thinking about Saturday’s clash.

“It was definitely a tough one,” Ewers said, regarding last season’s showdown. “Came out pretty hot, 31-17 at half. And then weren’t able to finish. I think they did a really good job at adjusting to certain things and just playing to their strengths.

“We learned that we’ve got to be able to finish because they’re a good, solid team and they never give up.”

In their final Big 12 showdown, we’ll see if Quinn Ewers and Texas can use what they’ve learned and come out on top on Saturday afternoon.