Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark probably isn’t too pleased with the result of Friday’s game between Texas and Texas Tech, but Longhorn fans across the country sure are. The ‘Horns defeated the Red Raiders by a final score of 57-7 and dominated from start to finish inr their final home game at DKR this season. This not only sends them to the Big 12 Championship Game where they will take on Oklahoma State, but keeps their College Football Playoff chances alive as well. Let’s take a look what Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had to say regarding their big win, Oklahoma State approaching, and more:
- In his opening statement, Sark mentioned how they were able to get some of the more inexperienced players some time on the field in the 57-7 win over Tech: “encouraged that our younger players are developing.” These players included Arch Manning, Tre Wisner, and more.
- Sarkisian said that WR Xavier Worthy is “good-to-go”, QB Maalik Murphy practiced today, and CB Ryan Watts and DB Austin Jordan are more of a question mark still in terms of if they will play on Saturday
- Sarkisian on what he’s seen really improve about QB Quinn Ewers: “His demeanor, when things this year haven’t gone great… a year ago, that might have been more of a challenge… I’ve seen a lot of growth, a lot of maturity”
- Sark also spoke highly of freshman DB Malik Muhammad and sophomore DL DJ Campbell as they have both matured and really come into their own this season
- Sarkisian: “I don’t know why I wouldn’t think we are a College Football Playoff contender,” when asked about his team being CFB caliber
- Sarkisian on the RB room: “We try to recruit players that fit us systematically… I think there’s a physical brand of football that those guys play with… we are in good shape today, and I think the future is very bright for that room”
- Sarkisian on DL Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat: “I believe they are the best tandem in the country… they work so well with one another…”. States that Murphy is like a “bulldog” and wants them to win Big 12 DPOTY and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year
- Sarkisian, when asked about how he’s grown as a coach this season: “I haven’t quite frankly taken a lot of time to reflect on that… I audit myself at the end of every season… I’ve enjoyed this season, I really feel connected to this team.”
- Quote of the day: Sarkisian, when referencing the moments when talks to his entire team, stated “I never want to get up there and sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher… I still get these natural little butterflies… I don’t take that stuff lightly.”
- Sarkisian: “We didn’t come this far, just to come this far,” when mentioning the Big 12 Championship game and a potential playoff appearance
- Sarkisian on his team’s ability to play with speed: “You have the ability to play fast when you know what to do… and when everybody’s playing in unison… and as a coach you just try to manage your practice habits as the season goes on”
- Lastly, Sark mentioned that the linebacker unit for Oklahoma State really jumps off the page as their 3 core LBs are “big time players”
The Horns will kick off against the Cowboys at 11 am on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. If they win, they will be crowned Big 12 champs… and await to hear the decision of the College Football Playoff Committee.
Twitter: @RSwantkowski
