It’s as close as it gets. If you are looking for a fast-paced game with some creative plays, you should tune in to the Texas and Arizona State’s CFP quarterfinals on Wednesday. All eyes are on the Longhorns, who arguably have the best offensive line. But all is not merry in Austin, as they continue to suffer from injury scars, and the biggest dent came when Isaiah Bond rolled up his ankle and quit the field against Georgia. While Steve Sarkisian might be eager to add the wide receiver to the lineup, he has already been advised against it. But why? And how does it impact another compelling storyline, Quinn Ewers vs. Sam Leavitt?

Bond, the Alabama transfer, has turned heads at Texas with his 33 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns. What’s more? He has rushed four times for 98 yards. However, Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm stepped up and did the job for the Longhorns after Bond found himself on the bench, catering to his ankle. But Bond could return for the Peach Bowl, as suggested by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. While the fans are delighted, this idea didn’t sit well with David Pollack.

The CFB analyst turned to his YouTube channel and discussed the coming playoff games. When discussing Arizona vs. Texas, Pollack argued that Bond should have been given more time to return healthy. He said, “If I’m Texas, I’m saving Bond. Like, I’m saving Bond. I’m giving him more time to prepare. Because he’s been playing and he’s been getting it rolled up more and more on that ankle, and he’s the one dude that’s a blur, man.”

The emergence of freshman Ryan Wingo also has eased Sarkisian’s troubles, as he might not be tempted to bring Bond straight to the bowl game. But Bond not taking the field could impact how Texas attacked, as his quick pair of legs could have ensured the offense put Arizona’s defense in shatters. His inclusion adds more flair and also liberates Ewers, who doesn’t have to take up offensive duties. But Bond’s absence could sting Ewers, who is at odds with Arizona’s QB Leavitt.

Quinn Ewers’ humble response to Sam Leavitt’s feisty declaration

Leavitt, the Michigan transfer, rose through the ranks at Arizona and is a solid starter now. You could look at his 192-of-304 passing for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns, which puts him in the top tier. In addition, he has also rushed for 383 yards. So, when the Peach Bowl inched closer, he opened the floodgates to his rivalry with Quinn Ewers. He declared, “People keep counting me out since Day 1, and I’m gonna prove why I’m the better quarterback. You know, that’s how I feel since Day 1. I’m going to go put everybody on the map.”

Ewers, the Ohio transfer, has 17-of-24 passing for 2,867 yards this season and has a completion rate of 67%. He is evidently ahead of Leavitt but maintains his calm and composure when addressing the Leavitt situation. He added, “Yeah, I mean, I saw it. Just congrats to them on the great year and season. I watched some of their games, and he is a talented player. And they are fun, offense to watch, and again, excited to be up against them.”

A win for Texas will reaffirm Ewers’ claim to be a better QB, and he would prefer if he had Bond on the gridiron helping him. Otherwise, the Longhorns run the risk of getting eliminated in the quarterfinals, and Ewers runs the risk of losing the contest to Leavitt. But Pollack is the only one ready to highlight what could go wrong.