Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers had a point-blank assessment of the Longhorns’ defense after a 17-7 win over Texas A&M.

“It’s just like a common theme at this point,” Ewers said, “they continue to save our butts on offense.”

The Longhorns, who have the nation’s No. 3 overall total defense and best unit in the SEC, pitched a defensive shutout Saturday night at Kyle Field. The Aggies’ only points in a 17-7 decision came on a 93-yard pick-six by Will Lee.

A&M’s opening drive resulted in a turnover on downs at the Texas 10-yard line. Quarterback Marcel Reed’s deep ball was intercepted by UT’s Michael Taaffe at the Texas 7. There was another turnover on downs late in the first half and a huge goal-line stand and forced fumble for a turnover at the end.

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Granted, it’s all subjective, but this was probably the best defensive performance of the season. Next comes another huge test against No. 6 Georgia in the SEC championship game.

“We give ’em short fields,” Ewers said. “(Texas) got a punt blocked on special teams, and they just continue to show up and not allow any points. You know, I feel bad for allowing them to get seven points on that pick six.

“They pride themselves week in and week out of their preparation and just the way that everybody handles it, from coaches to players to the support staff on that, on that side of things, which is incredible to see.”

Linebacker Liona Lefau had a team-high six tackles and one pass break-up. Anthony Hill, Colin Simmons and Jermayne Lole all had five tackles each. Vernon Broughton had his best game of the season with two sacks and two quarterback hurries.

For all the offensive miscues, the Longhorns’ defenders are still going to ride alongside Ewers. He was 17-for-28 for 218 yards and showed incredible touch on several deep balls, including a sensational 44-yard pass to Matthew Golden.

Ewers had ankle problems all week after a hip-drop tackle against Kentucky. But he didn’t appear to be bothered by it on a 26-yard run around the right side.

Coach Steve Sarkisian inserted backup quarterback Arch Manning into the game “as a change-up” look near the goal line. Manning had a dazzling 15-yard run down the sideline and scored after diving for the pylon. It was unclear at first, but replays showed Manning got the ball over the pylon for the score.

That was really the only time A&M’s defense wasn’t ready for Manning. The other plays with him at the controls seemed vanilla. Ewers played most of the second half as Texas turned to its ground game and rushed for 240 yards.

“We got a veteran quarterback right next to me, and no better guy to face this challenge, face this opportunity than Quinn Ewers,” Taaffe said. “So he’s the head of the snake, and we go where he goes. He knows that and he takes that with pride, and he leads us to where we want to go.”