Steve Sarkisian touts difficulty of Texas’s schedule in response to question about 3-2 start
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We’ve entered October, and the Texas Longhorns have not defeated a Power 4 opponent. Yes, they’ve only had 2 chances to do so. But losing both, as the preseason No. 1 team in the country, is going to draw criticism, no matter who you’ve faced.
Steve Sarkisian has heard the noise. He’s not immune to it, as annoying as it may be at times. On Monday, he reminded people that the two places the Longhorns played their Power 4 games thus far — Columbus, OH (Ohio State) and Gainesville, FL (Florida) — are some of the toughest environments in college football.
“I mean, how many teams are there in college football? 136?” Sarkisian asked. “Take the other 135 and have them go play at Ohio State and at The Swamp. See how they do.”
Texas losing to Ohio State, then ranked No. 3 in the country, in the season opener is understandable. The Longhorns’ most recent loss, at Florida, is less so. The Gators are undeniably talented, but lost at home to South Florida in Week 2 and were 1-3 before beating Texas in Week 6. Sarkisian and Billy Napier both had bye weeks to prepare for one another, but it was Florida who came out with urgency and held a 10-0 lead after the first quarter, not the Longhorns.
If Texas can’t turn things around as soon as possible, Sarkisian’s odds of returning to the College Football Playoff will go from slim to none. A win over Oklahoma this weekend feels like a necessity. Kickoff in the Red River Rivalry is slated for 3:30 p.m. E.T. on ABC.
