The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a crucial College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils, aiming to continue their championship pursuit. After a commanding 38-24 victory over Clemson in the first round, the Longhorns are entering this contest as 13.5-point favorites, according to ESPN BET, with their eyes set firmly on advancing further in the playoff race.
However, as Texas heads into this high-stakes game, they have been dealt a concerning blow regarding the health of one of their key players. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that starting right tackle Cameron Williams has been struggling with a right knee sprain and has been limited in practices leading up to the quarterfinal. His status for the game remains uncertain, and he is now considered a game-time decision. This injury has cast a shadow over the Longhorns’ otherwise strong momentum as they prepare to face a tough Arizona State team.
If Williams is unable to play, Texas will turn to his backup, Trevor Goosby, to step into the starting role. Goosby, a reserve offensive tackle, will be tasked with filling a significant void if Williams’ injury keeps him sidelined. The potential loss of Williams, a critical part of Texas’ offensive line, is a major concern for head coach Steve Sarkisian, especially given the importance of maintaining a solid front in a playoff matchup.
Thamel further noted that Williams’ recovery timeline, assuming no setbacks, should allow him to return for the Cotton Bowl if Texas advances past the quarterfinals. The injury is a tough blow for Williams, who has been a standout performer for the Longhorns this season and is projected to be a late first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, should he choose to leave for the professional ranks after the season.
Williams, a 6-foot-5, Texas native, was a highly-touted four-star recruit in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports. Over the course of his collegiate career, he has played in 32 games, earning 11 starts. His stellar play this season earned him a spot as a semifinalist for the prestigious Joe Moore Award, which is given to the nation’s top offensive line unit. Williams has been a cornerstone of Texas’ offensive line, helping to protect quarterback Quinn Ewers and open up running lanes for the Longhorns’ offense.
As the Longhorns prepare for the pivotal quarterfinal clash with Arizona State, this injury could impact their ability to execute their offensive game plan at a high level. While Goosby is a capable replacement, Williams’ presence on the field will be missed, particularly given his contributions to one of the top offensive lines in the country. Texas will be hoping for a swift recovery or a strong performance from Goosby to ensure that their playoff run continues without disruption.
Texas is entering the quarterfinals with the momentum of a dominant first-round performance, but with the injury uncertainty surrounding Williams, the Longhorns must remain adaptable. If they can overcome this challenge and continue to play their brand of football, they will have a strong chance to advance to the next stage of the playoffs and keep their championship aspirations alive. As the Longhorns take on Arizona State, all eyes will be on Williams’ recovery and whether he can contribute to the team’s playoff push.
