As college football season winds down and the race for the College Football Playoff (CFP) heats up, one thing is clear: the Texas Longhorns may not be the most flawless team in the country, but they have the uncanny ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. With big plays at key moments, Texas has managed to secure a spot in the CFP, despite a few bumps along the road.
While other teams might get bogged down by minor mistakes or lack of execution, the Longhorns have proven that they can deliver in the clutch. This ability to make the big plays when the game is on the line is the hallmark of a championship-caliber team. In a sport that is defined by razor-thin margins, it’s these moments of brilliance—often at the most unexpected times—that separate the good teams from the great ones.
### The Ups and Downs of the Season
Like any other team with national championship aspirations, Texas has faced its share of adversity throughout the 2023 season. Early in the year, they suffered a tough loss to an unranked team, showing signs of inconsistency. Quarterback Quinn Ewers struggled with turnovers at times, and the defense had issues with giving up big plays, especially in crucial moments. For all their promise, the Longhorns were far from perfect.
Yet, even in those moments of imperfection, there was something about the Longhorns that gave hope. Whether it was a key third down conversion or a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, Texas seemed to have a knack for responding when things were on the line. Against the better teams, they found ways to win the big games. And when the stakes were the highest—whether in Big 12 Championship matchups or key non-conference clashes—they were ready to make the plays that mattered.
This ability to respond when the chips are down is not just a testament to individual talent, but also to the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has done an excellent job of keeping his team focused on the bigger picture despite the ups and downs. Sarkisian’s ability to rally his team after a tough loss, and refocus their energy on the next challenge, has been a critical factor in their ability to secure big wins and put together a playoff-worthy season.
### The Impact of Key Players
While Texas has had some inconsistent play throughout the season, their roster is loaded with talent. And when it comes to the most important moments, it’s the star players who rise to the occasion.
**Quinn Ewers**, for example, may have struggled with turnovers early in the season, but when the Longhorns needed him most, he delivered. In clutch situations, Ewers has shown a calm, composed demeanor. Whether it’s a 40-yard strike downfield to a wide-open receiver or threading the needle on a key 3rd-and-10, Ewers has proven capable of making the throws that matter most. His decision-making has improved significantly as the season has progressed, and his ability to keep plays alive and avoid the big mistakes has been a key factor in Texas’ success.
**Bijan Robinson**, one of the nation’s most dynamic running backs, has been a game-changer all season long. Robinson’s ability to break tackles, gain extra yards after contact, and stay healthy when it matters most has been invaluable. In games where the Longhorns needed a spark, it was Robinson’s powerful, downhill running that often made the difference. His vision, patience, and speed make him a matchup nightmare, and whenever the Longhorns were in a tight game, they often leaned on him to churn out crucial yards, eat clock, and move the chains.
On the defensive side of the ball, **Jalen Catalon** has been a standout playmaker. His ability to read the offense and jump passing lanes has resulted in timely turnovers and game-changing plays. Catalon’s leadership and ability to make big tackles in crucial situations helped anchor a defense that, while inconsistent at times, always seemed to step up in big moments. Whether it was a key stop in the red zone or an interception late in the game, Catalon was there to help ensure the Longhorns didn’t miss their chance at victory.
### Big Plays in the Most Critical Moments
In the high-pressure environment of the CFP, where every game feels like a playoff, the ability to make big plays can be the difference between advancing and going home. Texas has displayed this ability repeatedly.
One of the most memorable moments of the 2023 season came in their matchup against a top-ranked rival in the Big 12 Championship Game. Despite being down for much of the game and struggling to gain momentum, the Longhorns found themselves in a do-or-die situation in the fourth quarter. With just under three minutes left and a one-point deficit, Ewers delivered a 50-yard bomb to *Xavier Worthy* for a game-winning touchdown. The Longhorns made the key plays when it mattered most, and their defense came up with a stop on the next possession to secure the victory.
Even in games where they didn’t dominate, Texas managed to make enough big plays to win. Whether it was a clutch field goal, a game-changing interception, or a timely touchdown drive, the Longhorns consistently proved they could capitalize on the moments that mattered.
The significance of these big plays can’t be overstated. In college football, it’s the teams that can execute in the most pressure-filled moments who ultimately come out on top. Texas has shown they are capable of doing just that.
### The Road Ahead in the CFP
As the Longhorns prepare for the College Football Playoff, they know they won’t be facing a team that doesn’t make mistakes—every team in the CFP has the talent and coaching to capitalize on mistakes. For Texas to go all the way, they’ll need to clean up the small mistakes that have occasionally plagued them. But they don’t need to be perfect. They simply need to continue making the big plays at the critical moments.
With the talent they possess and the leadership of Coach Sarkisian, the Longhorns have a legitimate chance of making a run at the national championship. It won’t be easy, and they may not always look like the most dominant team, but when the game is on the line, the Texas Longhorns have proven they know how to rise to the occasion.
The College Football Playoff is a test of poise, resilience, and playmaking ability. Texas may not be perfect, but they’ve already shown that they can handle that pressure, and in the end, that’s what truly matters when it comes to winning at the highest level.
As the 2023 season enters its final chapter, don’t be surprised if it’s the Longhorns making the big play to secure a spot in the national championship. Because in football, when it counts most, that’s all you really need.