I have covered the Big 12 for almost a decade and followed it pretty much my entire life, and if there is one thing I know about the Texas Longhorns, it’s that no matter what they do, they make headlines. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the drama – which there is no shortage of in Austin.
If Steve Sarkisian as much as sneezes, it ends up on the front page of the Austin American Statesman.
Believe it or not, it wasn’t a Longhorn who stole the headlines ahead of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – it was Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Leavitt was asked about facing off against Texas signal-caller Quinn Ewers, and his response immediately caught fire.
“I’ve watched him for a fair amount of time now. I’m just excited for the opportunity. People keep counting me out since Day 1, and I’m going to go prove why I’m the better quarterback.”
As soon as those comments came out of his mouth, social media blew up. Reporters were in a frenzy, and everyone couldn’t wait to see Quinn’s response.
Naturally, Ewers was asked about the comments on Monday, and he pretty much downplayed the entire situation.
“Yeah, I mean, I saw it,” Ewers said. “And just congrats to them (ASU) on a great year and great season. I’ve got to watch some of their games, and he’s a talented player, and they’re a fun offense to watch. And just excited to be up against them.”
I was shocked to see Quinn play it off like it wasn’t a big deal. Typically, a Texas player would be all over the moment and have a comeback prepared to dish out. But, under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have proven to show more maturity when the lights are on and the camera is rolling.
I also don’t believe that Leavitt’s intent was to take a shot at Quinn Ewers. The two quarterbacks come from very different recruiting backgrounds; Ewers was a five-star prospect, while Leavitt was a lowly three-star. As a result, Leavitt plays with a giant chip on his shoulder. He feels like nobody is paying attention to him, and for the most part, he’s right.
However, it will be impossible to overlook the redshirt freshman if he keeps playing like he has in 2024. In fact, there’s an argument that he has been the better quarterback this year.
Just looking at the numbers, Ewers holds an edge in passing yards (2,867) and touchdowns (26), but he also has thrown twice as many interceptions (10). Meanwhile, Leavitt has thrown for nearly as many yards (2,663) and touchdowns (24) but vastly outperforms Ewers as a ball carrier – 383 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to Ewers’ -65 rushing yards and one score.
If it weren’t for the conference logo on his jersey – and the logo on his helmet – Leavitt would probably be the quarterback being touted as a difference-maker in the College Football Playoff.
Instead, he has flown under the radar this season. While some of that is a byproduct of sharing the backfield with Cam Skattebo, people should be wary of overlooking him. As the numbers suggest, Sam should not be treated like just another quarterback.
While he may be a freshman, Leavitt has played like a veteran down the stretch, getting better as the season has progressed. He is a different player than he was in Week 1, and he has found a real command of the offense and a knack for moving the chains. He knows when to take off and run, and he knows when to take his shot. That is something you don’t see from many college quarterbacks, let alone a freshman.
So, go ahead. Call him crazy for saying that he will prove that he’s the better quarterback. Everyone has been doubting Leavitt and his team since he arrived in Tempe. The Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the Big 12, and nobody gave them a chance to be competitive, let alone go out and win the conference.
Regardless of what you might think about his comments, there is some truth to what Leavitt said, and he’ll get the chance to prove it to the entire country on Wednesday afternoon.
