There are several key moments in Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger’s collegiate career that have defined him as a player.
Almost every athlete experiences high’s and low’s, Ehlinger is no exception. We’ve witnessed him lose a big game off of a fumble or interception, but he’s also showcased incredible comebacks.
When you take the chance to start a true freshman quarterback, you don’t really know what you’re going to get. Even if the player is exceptional in practice, how does that translate onto the field? In hostile environments? Against top competition? Under pressure? The questions are endless.
After witnessing such success with Vince Young and Colt McCoy, Texas had seemingly been in a quarterback rut. Although Ehlinger split playing time as a true freshman with Shane Buechele, there was one particular moment that made you stop and think that this could be the next successful quarterback at the University of Texas.
That moment appeared in Los Angeles on September 16, 2017. Texas traveled to face fourth-ranked USC in the first rematch of the 2006 Rose Bowl. Most may remember the Longhorns suffering a devastating loss in double-overtime, but others view it as the beginning of Ehlinger’s future at Texas.
USC entered this matchup as 17-point favorites, while Texas surrendered 51 points to Maryland two weeks prior. Ehlinger was playing in only his second game due to injury. Tasked with starting in a hostile environment for his first road game, he had understandable growing pains and nerves throughout the first half.
However, the former Westlake product showcased a sensational second half. Poise, grit, toughness and resiliency. Nearing the end of the fourth quarter and down by four points, it was Ehlinger’s time to demonstrate what he’s made of on the Longhorns last possession. That’s as big as big-time gets.
He led a 91-yard march in 14 plays while converting two fourth downs, one with his legs and one with his arm. With 45 seconds left in regulation, Ehlinger connected with wide receiver Armanti Foreman for a 17-yard touchdown pass to put Texas ahead of USC by three points.
Sam Ehlinger to Armanti Foreman to put Texas ahead of the #4 USC Trojans. Unbelievable. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/p07geS6DVA
— Will Baizer (@WillBaizer) September 17, 2017
If the Texas defense were able to hold off the Trojans, it would have been a historic kind of drive. Unfortunately USC was able to march down the field and kick a last-second field goal to take the game into overtime.
Ehlinger’s performance was far more noteworthy than the stat sheet may show. That particular drive was a defining moment that proved how special he could be. He was a determined fighter who would put forth every effort in his body to get the job done on a big stage.
From that moment on, you could never count him out.