The Longhorns got their first true road win of the season on Saturday as they defeated Kansas State 34-27. Per usual, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian started off his Monday press conference today with a quick recap of the game. He stated how there were some real “highlight things,” such as the Horns not allowing any sacks, not having any turnovers, minimizing the Wildcat’s run game and “creating the two turnovers.” He also thought the “coverage units were really good” and overall stated it was a “really good win in a great environment”.
Looking ahead now to 4th ranked TCU, Sarkisian pointed out that the Longhorns haven’t beaten a “top-5 team here in DKR since 1999” and mentioned how excited he is for the team and the fans about the opportunity. Sarkisian was then asked about former TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson and his role with the Longhorns this season as Special Assistant. “We are lucky to have him on our team” and Sark highlights how “Gary works 24/7 to beat anybody… he does a great job relaying his thoughts and information … for me, he’s a great sounding board… we are very fortunate to have him”. Sark was then asked about TCU QB Max Duggan: “He’s making the throws to make… but yet he’s using his legs” and overall says he is a “really cool competitor.” Looking at the Horned Frogs as a whole, Sarkisian states that they are “good in all three phases” and says his team is working on a lot of things this week as they have their “work cut out” for them.
Shifting back over to the ‘Horns, Sark was asked about players such as Quinn Ewers, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Keondre Coburn, and others. With Quinn, Sarkisian stated that he thought he “responded well” after his performance against Oklahoma State and how he “stood in there and really kind of controlled the game for us” when referencing Kansas State. Overall, Sark “loves the growth” of his young QB. Regarding Sanders, Sarkisian pointed out his maturity yet believes “he’s got the play making ability to go along with the maturity.” He also added how Sanders has become “one of our (the team’s) leaders.” Sark was also asked about DL Keondre Coburn’s excitement about the win: “As a coach, that’s why we do what we do…we have a real responsibility to develop these young men into grown men… happy for him.” Sarkisian also talked about the red-zone efficiency this season and said it’s “something we put a lot of emphasis on.”
The Horned Frogs bring quite the challenge to the Longhorns this week, and Sarkisian seems to recognize that even after the big Kansas State victory. “We’ve got more work to do… I think our guys recognize that. They’re hungry…” Let’s see if frog legs are on the menu for the ‘Horns come Saturday, or if the Horned Frogs can remain unbeaten this season.
– Twitter: @RSwantkowski
