Watch: Explosive Texas rushing attack gives Longhorns sizable halftime CFP lead over Clemson

With Texas' rushing attack overwhelming Clemson's defense, quarterback Quinn Ewers didn't have to carry the team. In the lead-up to Saturday's game, some have expressed a desire in head coach Steve Sarkisian to insert backup Arch Manning into the starting lineup.

But Ewers performed well in the first half, going 11-of-14 for 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Ewers' turnover came after wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. failed to reel in a pass that hit him on the hands. It bounced to Tigers safety R.J. Mickens, giving Ewers little responsibility for that miscue.

Texas' running game was a major question mark at the beginning of the season, but it's become the team's strength in the postseason.

In August, the team lost 2023 opening-game starting running back CJ Baxter (knee) and true freshman Christian Clark (Achilles) to injuries.

At the time, Ewers remained upbeat.

"I think we have guys that are going to be more than capable of stepping in and filling up those roles," Ewers said.

Wisner and Blue have proved his optimism wasn't unwarranted. They also might have saved his job.