Why Tyrone Swoopes could be Texas's long-term solution
Tyrone Swoopes may be the brand new guy in Austin.
Several media outlets are already calling the sophomore the Texas Longhorns' new long-term solution at quarterback after a positive performance against UCLA Saturday.
Swoopes threw for 196 yards against the Bruins, tossing two touchdowns in the effort. He connected with senior receiver John Harris on several impressive throws, one of which went for a nine-yard score late in the game to put the Longhorns up.
UCLA would ultimately take the game after backup quarterback Jerry Neuheisel relieved an injured Brett Hundley. He threw a 33-yard touchdown with just three minutes left in the game to seal it for UCLA.
Nevertheless, pundits are already predicting great things from Swoopes. Big-12 announcer Gus Johnson even called him "Vince Young 2.0," which didn't go over too well with some Longhorns fans and critics alike.
Gus Johnson just called Tyrone Swoopes "Vince Young 2.0". #hyperbole
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 14, 2014
DallasNews proclaimed that "Texas has finally found its quarterback" and that "this is his team now."
The news outlet held back from giving Swoopes too much praise, particularly after he failed to engineer a game-winning drive in the final minutes of Saturday's game. But it did say that he's making progress, and "it's a start."
Bleacher Report called Swoopes the Longhorns' "silver lining" in its loss to UCLA, saying that he "managed the game plan in superb fashion, and he did not give up any turnovers to the Bruins."
Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said after the game that Swoopes is moving a lot faster than the coach envisioned, and that he's "a really exceptional player."
Most agree, though, that it'll be a long road before the quarterback ever lives up to Vince Young-status, or even becomes a legitimate star on the team. Through two games he's put up rather pedestrian numbers with 372 yards, three TDs and one interception.
Texas's next three matches will be enough for the world to see if Swoopes is for real. The Longhorns take on Kansas in two weeks, followed by home games against No. 7 Baylor and No. 4 Oklahoma.