Texas’ different approach should lead to better results in 2022
The ability to finish a game, especially one the Texas Longhorns are leading, was among the many goals head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed as the last coach to appear during Big 12 Media Days July 14.
He noted the Longhorns have been undergoing even more grueling conditioning sessions where they have been on their feet more so they can have the energy to finish contests, especially close ones, in the final quarter. He noted he could have kept what was installed by former head coach Tom Herman or he could he put in his program, his playbook and his philosophy. He believes the players are bought into the Sarkisian way.
“In year two, you start to reap the benefits,” he said. “Everything feels different right now. Let’s not neglect our ability to game plan and prepare early. We don’t want to lose sight of that. We were really good at getting prepared to play. The same trust we had and how we maintain that is critical.”
They have made a decision to celebrate the big moments and the small ones because the belief is that by celebrating all the positives, it leads to the desired outcomes.
Like others, Sarkisian didn’t name a starting quarterback between Hudson Card and Quinn Ewers, though he did say that both will be needed if the Longhorns are to accomplish their season goals.
“I’ve been fortunate to be around good ones,” he said. “It’s the most important position in sports. You get as many as you can to play at a high level. They love competing and pushing the other guy and pumping the guy up. Hudson has more experience and has been in the system for a year. Quinn is high energy. We’ll need both those guys.”
There is no question on the starting running back — Bijan Robinson — who also was selected as the conference’s preseason offensive player of the year. He and Roschon Johnson lead that room. Sarkisian noted the running backs have great skills, are “physical, have good hands and are good route runners. We need offensive linemen and wide receivers to create space. We need to find ways to get the running backs the ball early.”
The same can be said of the receivers led by Xavier Worthy, who was the conference’s freshman of the year in 2021.
“Xavier speaks for himself, an electric playmaker,” the coach said. “The addition of Isaiah Neyor to complement Xavier has been critical. Jordan Whittington was our leading receiver until he got injured. We love to run the ball and be physical.”
The addition of Gary Patterson, the former TCU head coach, to help with the defense was an important hire in Austin because he is used as a sounding board and can see things and point them out to the coaches. Sarkisian said he believes the defense will be more versatile.
The home game against Alabama at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, provides an opportunity for the Longhorns to show and learn a lot about themselves.
“I have the upmost respect for Saban,” Sarkisian said. “I wouldn’t be where I am and what he’s done for my career. They’ll be prepared and ready to play. We will be, too. It’ll be a great environment in Austin.”
While realignment and expansion is a hot topic, Sarkisian said he believes college football remains a constant part of fans’ lives.
“College football is headed in the right direction,” he said. “They’re all trying to navigate this thing the right way. People love to watch it. We have a great playoff. All the sudden we can start putting the best teams together. The old school part of me wants the rivalries and bowl games. I do think we’re headed in the right direction.”
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