Both the NFL and NCAAF are in critical stages of their seasons. The Texas Longhorns have had an excellent campaign this year, which ultimately led them to compete in the Cotton Bowl. On the other hand, several franchises in the NFL are looking to fill vacant head coaching positions, and following his impressive results, Steve Sarkisian has emerged as a strong candidate for those spots.
According to reports, journalist Adam Schefter revealed that the current Texas Longhorns head coach is becoming one of the top names to fill the vacant head coaching positions in several NFL franchises. This buzz around Sarkisian is not surprising, given the remarkable season his team has had.
Despite the swirling rumors about his future, Sarkisian took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to express his unwavering commitment to the Longhorns. He stated, “Unified. Focused. Relentless. Together with our Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife and Athletic Director CDC, we’re locked in. Let’s make history!” His message was clear: he is all in for Texas.
The Longhorns are now gearing up for a significant challenge next Friday, January 10, when they face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a matchup for the CFP semifinals. This game is not just another game; it’s a chance for Texas to prove themselves on one of the biggest stages in college football.
The challenge of defending the Buckeyes
The Cotton Bowl will pit two of the season’s best teams against each other. On one side, you have Quinn Ewers and his Longhorns, a team that has consistently showcased high-level play throughout the tournament. On the other side, the Buckeyes, led by Will Howard, boast one of the most formidable offenses in college football.
Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas team, spoke with the press about the significance of this matchup. He emphasized what it will mean for his players to face athletes of the caliber of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. “They’re both big, physical players,” Sarkisian noted. “They have length. They have speed. They have play-making ability on the ball. They have really big catch radiuses. They’ve got the scheme to go with it, with Coach [Chip] Kelly and Coach [Ryan] Day. They’ve got a quarterback who delivers them the ball.”
So, what does this mean for the Longhorns? “So, you add all that up, these guys are impactful players that are real issues. We’re going to have a hard time guarding them,” Sarkisian admitted, showcasing the challenge that lies ahead.
The HC’s reflection after Ewers’ return to Texas
Quinn Ewers’ journey back to the Longhorns has been pivotal. After his time with the Buckeyes, where he was under the guidance of Ryan Day, Ewers returned to Texas as a more mature player, both mentally and physically. Sarkisian reflected on Ewers’ growth, stating, “When we got him back, he was, in our eyes, still a freshman at that time. There’s been a lot of development.”
He continued, “I would say physical development but I would probably also say mental and emotional development. To watch him grow into the leader that he’s grown into for us, the ability to have the poise and composure he has not only on the field but off the field to look at the face of adversity and come out on the other side of it time and time again… to being his best when his best was needed.” This maturation process is crucial as the Longhorns prepare for their upcoming showdown.
The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. The Cotton Bowl is not just a game; it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that both teams have put into their seasons. Fans are eager to see how the Longhorns will perform against a powerhouse like Ohio State. Will they rise to the occasion and secure a victory?
As the Longhorns focus on their upcoming game, the NFL coaching rumors surrounding Sarkisian add an intriguing layer to the narrative. His commitment to Texas is commendable, but one can’t help but wonder how these rumors will affect his players. Will they feel the pressure, or will they channel it into their performance on the field?
The anticipation for the Cotton Bowl is building, and it’s clear that both teams are ready to give it their all. With Sarkisian at the helm, the Longhorns have shown resilience and determination throughout the season. The question remains: can they translate that into a win against the Buckeyes?
In a world where college football is filled with uncertainty and excitement, one thing is for sure: the Longhorns are ready to make a statement. With their eyes set on the prize, they will undoubtedly bring their best game to the Cotton Bowl. As fans, we can’t wait to see how this thrilling matchup unfolds!
