Quinn Ewers helps the Texas Longhorns take a big halftime lead against the Florida Gators

AUSTIN – The No. 5 Texas Longhorns took a 35-0 lead into halftime of Saturday's SEC matchup against the Florida Gators in Austin, thanks to four first-half passing touchdowns from quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Ewers finished the first half completing 17 of 25 passes for 297 yards and the four scores. His first two points were scored by Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm, both of whom were able to march into the end zone.

He then connected with running back Quintrevion Wisner for a 50-yard touchdown on a screen pass before hitting Golden for another score on a 32-yard pass just before halftime. Jaydon Blue added a five-yard score on the final touchdown of the first half.

The Gators were without starting quarterback DJ Lagway, who made a game-winning decision because of a hamstring injury. Aidan Warner got the start and went 7 of 12 for 64 yards, no touchdowns and a pick in the first half.

Ewers led an opening drive that appeared to be working surgically until the Longhorns left the red zone. A seven-yard loss on a Wisner carry set Texas back before Ewers was sacked on the next play. Bert Auburn then missed a 51-yard field goal wide right.

Florida running back Jadan Baugh picked up a first down on a nine-yard carry, but the Gators had to punt a few plays later.

From that point on, the Longhorns were able to create early separation.

After Ewers gained nine yards on 3rd-and-10, the Longhorns decided to go for it on 4th-and-1 at their own 27-yard line when Jerrick Gibson rushed up the middle for the to move chains. On the next play, Texas made a clever putback that released Isaiah Bond and gave him a 44-yard gain down the right sideline. Two plays later, Golden scored a 29-yard touchdown that put Texas on the field.

Florida appeared poised to go for a three-pointer on the ensuing drive before Ja'Kobi Jackson fumbled at the Gators' 23-yard line. Texas lead Trey Moore recovered to put the Longhorns in top position. Two plays later, Ewers found his helmet open for a 22-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

After the two teams traded punts, the Gators found momentum for their biggest play of the day as Chimere Dike scored 39 yards on the second half. The Texas defense stayed in the red zone and ultimately held the Gators scoreless after a missed 30-yard field goal.

Both sides poked again. After Texas got the ball back, Ewers found Wisner for a 50-yard catch-and-run touchdown on the first play of the drive, extending the lead to 21-0 with 6:04 left in the second quarter.

The Gators looked to score before halftime, but a holding penalty and a big third-down sack by Texas defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau forced Florida to punt.

The Longhorns then got a great 45-yard catch-and-run from Blue, which set up Golden for a 32-yard touchdown a few plays later. Texas got the ball back immediately after Warner threw a pick to Ty'Anthony Smith. A few plays later, Blue tied the score.

Florida gets the kickoff for the second half.

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