"I was fired up": Quinn Ewers gives insight into his conversation with Steve Sarkisian after Texas records gritty win over Arkansas

The Texas Longhorns defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 20-10 in Week 12 Nov. 16 to move to 9-1 on the year. It was a close, gritty victory that saw moments of mortality for the Longhorns, but they eventually were able to close the game out.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers wasn't overly flashy but got the job done with 176 passing yards and two touchdowns, both to receiver Matthew Golden. Golden now moves to six touchdowns on the year.

Ewers has had some ups and downs in his time as a starter for the Longhorns, but the relationship that he has built with coach Steve Sarkisian over the years has developed well. They know what each other likes when it comes to football, and it translates well on the field.

“Every Friday night, I tell coach Sark what plays I like in certain areas. I was fired up when he called it. Every time he calls it, I’m thinking touchdown.”

Longhorns Primed For Success

The Texas passing attack was balanced and effective with six players going for double-digit receiving yards. Some of Texas' best wins of the year have come in moments where Ewers doesn't put up crazy numbers but is clutch when it matters most. He had 199 yards against Oklahoma and 185 yards against UTSA but delivered in big spots, something that can be used in the biggest games Texas has left. Sarkisian sees that side of Ewers.

“When you just don’t have as many opportunities, you’ve got to try to maximize them when you get them. Him taking care of the football, converting on third downs and what a play … on fourth down to kind of seal the game. I was proud of him for that.”

Texas has the Kentucky Wildcats next before its final test against in-state rival No. 14 Texas A&M. The Aggies are having a phenomenal year under first-year head coach Mike Elko.