Texas Football: 4 takeaways from dominant Alamo Bowl win over CU

3) Takeaways from Texas football’s win over Colorado

The offense doesn’t need Sam Ehlinger to excel

What was really surprising for the Longhorns in the second half of the Alamo Bowl was the way that the offense played without Ehlinger leading the way. Texas was able to distribute production all over the place, especially in the passing game. They actually had four different quarterbacks get snaps in the win over Colorado.

Prior to his game-ending shoulder injury, Ehlinger completed 10-of-16 passing attempts, for 160 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and no picks. The rushing production wasn’t great for Ehlinger in this game, as he had a negative number of rushing yards and no scores on the ground.

It was the former four-star dual-threat quarterback recruit and redshirt sophomore Casey Thompson that stole the show once Ehlinger left the game with his shoulder injury. Thompson led the way throughout most of the second half. He registered an ultra-efficient 8-of-10 on passing attempts, 170 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and no picks.

Thompson also had 17 rushing yards on four attempts, with no rushing touchdowns.

Thompson had passing touchdowns on half of his attempts, which is something you don’t get often. And the solid play of Thompson leading the way for the offense helped freshman quarterback Hudson Card to get snaps in the second half.

Card completed one of his two passing attempts for just five yards. He also had a nice lateral to Malcolm Epps that was a nice highlight in the fourth quarter.

What is clear is that the Longhorns could have a bright future in the quarterback room if Thompson’s momentum from the Alamo Bowl is parlayed into next season. It will all come down to if Ehlinger wants to come back for a fifth year on the Forty Acres, for the 2021 season.