Notes from Steve Sarkisian's weekly Monday Press Conference

Defense, Boom-or-Bust Offense Propel No. 11 Texas to 34-3 win over Mississippi State

Game Day: Mississippi State @ No. 11 Texas

A couple of days after Texas’s first scrimmage of the fall, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the media to discuss his team’s performance. Below, you can find the ‘sparknotes’ from his interactions with the media.

Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian stated that the defense had a good scrimmage with great energy & attitude.

He praised the group’s stellar run & red zone defense, highlighting the play of the front seven. #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian did not love Texas’s offensive performance in the team’s scrimmage, saying that the team had too many drops

However, he noted that freshmen wideouts Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore, & Ryan Niblett are making progress #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

When discussing the Texas linebacker picture, Texas HC Steve Sarkisian said that freshman LB Anthony Hill Jr is still learning on the field but that his instincts have consistently kicked in & have put the freshman in good spots #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian says that he wants to know his final starting lineup by Saturday.

Starters at several key positions such as outside linebacker & running back have yet to be officially announced #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian has been impressed with the defense’s tackling, highlighting freshmen DB Malik Muhammad & LB Liona Lefau’s play

Sark also credits transfer DB Jalen Catalon for setting the tone with his intensity #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian says that freshmen DB Jelani McDonald & WR Ryan Niblett are newcomers who have pleasantly surprised him with their play so far. #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian is feeling confident about his team’s personnel groupings & versatility, emphasizing that “the more things we can do very well, the tougher we should be to defend”. #HookEm
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) August 21, 2023

Additional Notes:
- Sarkisian is happy with where Quinn Ewers stands confidence-wise and believes that a quarterback’s confidence “permeates” throughout the team.
- Additionally, Sarkisian is happy with how his quarterback room is progressing in their individual roles.