Texas Longhorns Dominate in Season Opener: 52-0 Victory Over Colorado State
Texas Longhorns Dominate in Season Opener: 52-0 Victory Over Colorado State
Longhorn Nation, football is officially back, and what a start it was! The Texas Longhorns kicked off their 2024 season with an explosive 52-0 shutout victory over Colorado State at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. A dominating performance like this reminds everyone why Texas football is a force to be reckoned with, and this game was just the beginning!
This commanding win marked Texas’ first season-opening shutout since 2004—a reminder that this year’s team is here to make a statement. Though it was smooth sailing by the end, the game started with some hiccups. The No. 4 ranked Longhorns had a bit of a slow start, converting just half of their third-down attempts in the first quarter. Junior quarterback Quinn Ewers experienced some early struggles with incomplete passes, including a middle pass that was intercepted at the Colorado State 17-yard line.
But no worries—our Longhorn defense wasn’t about to let that phase them! Texas locked down the Rams, allowing them no room to breathe. As the game progressed, the Longhorns found their rhythm and turned up the heat on both sides of the ball.
“There’s always going to be some growing pains early in the season,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said after the game. “Especially in a first game, things show up that you’ve got to improve upon. But I do think for us, this was a good start.”
Despite the early jitters, the Longhorns quickly shook them off and started looking like the SEC powerhouse they’re set to become. Junior quarterback Quinn Ewers, wide receiver Matthew Golden, running back Jaydon Blue, and wide receiver Isaiah Bond were all standouts, lighting up the field and sealing the win for Texas early on.
Golden dazzled with two touchdowns and 50 receiving yards, while Blue added 37 receiving yards and 57 rushing yards. Bond chipped in with 61 receiving yards and 25 rushing yards. And let’s not forget Ewers, who threw for 260 yards, going 20-for-27, and even pulled off a no-look pass for a touchdown to Golden. Talk about a highlight reel!
“Just let the instincts take over sometimes,” Ewers said with a smile about his no-look pass. “I’m just glad I didn’t miss it.”
The Longhorn offense didn’t stop there. Freshman running back Jerrick Gibson, who led Texas in rushing yards with 67, scored a touchdown in the third quarter, while sophomore running back Quintrevion Wisner punched in a 3-yard rush for the only touchdown in the first quarter.
And let’s not forget the defense! Senior defensive back Jahdae Barron, now sporting the iconic No. 7 jersey in honor of Longhorn legend Michael Huff, had a memorable game. Barron intercepted a pass from CSU quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and ran it back 30 yards, proving that the Longhorn defense is ready to dominate this season.
“Having good eyes and being patient,” Barron said, sharing the advice his coaches give him. “It’s going to come to me, it’s just me trying to make a play on the ball.”
To top it all off, redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning made his highly anticipated debut in the third quarter. Manning didn’t disappoint, connecting with senior wide receiver Silas Bolden for a diving touchdown and even running one in himself, finishing 5-of-6 for 95 total yards. The future is bright, Longhorn fans!
On defense, Texas delivered a statement performance, shutting down the Rams’ much-hyped passing attack and smothering their ground game. The Longhorns’ secondary and defensive line brought the intensity, leaving Colorado State with no options.
As sweet as this victory is, it’s time to refocus on what’s next. The Longhorns are gearing up to face a daunting challenge next week: the reigning national champions, No. 9 Michigan, in Ann Arbor. But if this opener is any indication, Texas is ready to take on anyone.
“Michigan’s a different style team that we’re going to have to prepare for,” Sarkisian said. “We have to erase this game and move on to the next one.”
Longhorn Nation, buckle up—it’s going to be an unforgettable season. Hook ’em!
