The Texas Longhorns entered the 2024 Peach Bowl with high expectations, looking to cap off a solid season with a statement win. However, their 30-27 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels was anything but straightforward. In what should have been a routine win, the Longhorns came dangerously close to squandering a commanding lead, nearly letting the game slip away in the final minutes.
Here are five key takeaways from the Longhorns’ nail-biting Peach Bowl win:
### 1. **Texas’s Defensive Fragility Was Exposed**
The Texas defense came into the Peach Bowl with a reputation for being one of the nation’s best, but it was tested early and often by Ole Miss. The Longhorns’ defense allowed 27 points in the game, with significant chunks of yardage surrendered on several crucial drives.
Early on, Texas built a comfortable lead, but as the game wore on, the defense began to show cracks. Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart, who had a strong outing, found success in exploiting the Longhorns’ secondary. The Rebels were able to move the ball with ease in the second half, converting several key third-down situations and even scoring on a couple of long passing plays that exposed Texas’s inability to finish tackles and cover in space.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian will certainly need to assess how his defense collapsed in the later stages of the game, particularly when it came to defending the pass. The Longhorns had no answer for Ole Miss’s quick strikes and explosive plays, raising concerns about their ability to contain fast-paced offenses in the future.
### 2. **Quinn Ewers Showed Both His Potential and His Inconsistency**
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was heralded as one of the top quarterbacks in college football entering the season, but his performance in the Peach Bowl was a mixed bag. On the one hand, he showcased flashes of brilliance with some exceptional throws, including a few deep balls that demonstrated his arm strength and accuracy. Ewers finished the game with 280 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions, which should be viewed as a solid performance by most metrics.
However, Ewers was also far from perfect. He missed several open targets, particularly in the second half, where his accuracy seemed to wane at critical moments. At times, his decision-making was questionable, with forced throws and missed opportunities for checkdowns or safe plays. There were also instances where he appeared to hold on to the ball too long, resulting in sacks or near-sacks.
One of the biggest issues for Ewers in this game was his inability to consistently manage the game when Texas’s offense started to stall. The Longhorns had a 17-point lead at one point in the second half, but they couldn’t maintain their offensive rhythm, allowing Ole Miss to get back into the game. If Texas is going to compete for a national title in 2025, Ewers will need to show greater consistency in high-pressure situations.
### 3. **Texas’s Run Game Was Solid, But Not Dominant**
The Texas Longhorns are known for their power running game, and they leaned on it heavily during the Peach Bowl. Running back Jonathon Brooks, who has had a breakout season, had 115 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. His physical running style was effective, especially in the first half when the Longhorns built a comfortable lead.
However, Texas’s running game failed to dominate in the second half, and that’s when the game started to slip away. While Brooks was solid, the offensive line had trouble opening up consistent holes, and Ole Miss’s defense adjusted well to limit the Longhorns’ running attack. This inability to maintain offensive balance hurt Texas in the final stages of the game when they needed to drain the clock and secure the win.
While Texas has one of the best offensive lines in college football, the struggles in the run game late in the game are a concern. Going forward, the Longhorns will need to ensure their ground game remains potent when games are on the line and time is running out.
### 4. **The Special Teams Unit Could Have Been a Game Changer**
In close games, special teams can often make the difference between a win and a loss. Unfortunately for Texas, their special teams unit was inconsistent at best. There were multiple instances where special teams failed to execute, including a missed field goal attempt that could have iced the game and a few shaky punts that gave Ole Miss favorable field position.
The missed field goal, a 45-yarder in the third quarter, was a particularly critical moment. Had it been converted, it would have pushed Texas’s lead back to 20 points, essentially putting the game out of reach. Instead, the miss kept Ole Miss within striking distance, and the Rebels capitalized on the opportunity.
Additionally, Texas’s return game wasn’t as explosive as it could have been. Ole Miss was able to pin Texas deep on several occasions, limiting the Longhorns’ ability to generate momentum and putting extra pressure on their offense.
Special teams often fly under the radar, but in games that are decided by three points, every yard and every point matters. If Texas wants to go further in the postseason in future years, they will need to address these issues in the kicking game and make sure their special teams unit is as reliable as their offense and defense.
### 5. **Texas Still Shows Championship-Level Potential, But Needs to Close Games Better**
Despite all the lapses and close calls, Texas still managed to pull out the victory. In many ways, the Longhorns’ performance against Ole Miss should serve as a wake-up call. They were able to withstand Ole Miss’s comeback attempt, but their inability to seal the deal earlier in the game shows they still have areas to improve.
One of the most important lessons from the Peach Bowl is that championship teams know how to close games. Texas had the game in hand but let Ole Miss back into it, almost allowing a full-scale collapse. The ability to finish strong—especially in the fourth quarter—is something the Longhorns will need to work on before taking the next step to a potential College Football Playoff berth.
This victory, while hard-fought, should serve as a reminder to Texas that no lead is safe, and the Longhorns must play four full quarters to compete with the best teams in the country. If they can learn to control games from start to finish, there’s no reason they can’t contend for a national championship in the upcoming seasons.
### Conclusion: A Win, But Many Lessons Learned
At the end of the day, a win is a win, and Texas should be pleased with the result. However, this Peach Bowl win over Ole Miss was not as convincing as the Longhorns would have liked. From defensive struggles to offensive inconsistency and special teams miscues, Texas’s narrow victory was a reminder that no team is perfect, especially in big games.
The Longhorns have the talent to be a true national contender, but they must clean up these areas of weakness. Heading into the 2025 season, they’ll need to address their defensive vulnerabilities, develop more consistency on offense, and improve their special teams if they want to truly compete at the highest level. The Peach Bowl was a valuable test, and while Texas passed, they certainly have plenty to work on moving forward.