Steve Sarkisian is feeling the weight and excitement of his first full season as a head coach in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Texas Longhorns are making their mark, and Sarkisian is eager to share his insights on their journey so far.
Texas’ SEC Journey So Far
Reflecting on Texas’ debut season in the SEC, Sarkisian joined ‘The Paul Finebaum Show’ from Austin on Friday. He expressed optimism about the team’s performance, especially with Texas currently tied at the top of the standings. “It’s been okay, you know. It’s been okay,” Sarkisian said. “I think our players have kind of grown into this conference as it’s gone. They realize what it’s like week in and week out.”
However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Sarkisian recognizes that the SEC presents a unique level of competition. Unlike other conferences, where a few teams dominate, the SEC is a battleground where any team can pull off an upset on any given Saturday. “Well, I think that the challenge that sometimes doesn’t probably get enough credit? Every conference has their top one or two teams, right, and that’s no different than the Pac-12, Big 12, and anybody else. Where I think this conference separates itself is the middle and bottom half,” he explained.
The Competitive Nature of the SEC
Sarkisian’s observations highlight the unpredictable nature of the SEC. “I truly believe anybody in this conference can beat anybody in this conference on any given Saturday. I don’t know if that can necessarily be said to be true in the other conferences around the country.” This sentiment underscores the fierce competition that characterizes the SEC, making every game a potential turning point in the season.
This unpredictability has become a hot topic in college football discussions, especially regarding strength of schedule. Several SEC teams are currently ranked high in various ratings, thanks in part to the rigorous matchups they face within their conference. This reality keeps every team, including contenders like Texas, on high alert for every game.
Preparing for Each Game
Sarkisian emphasized the importance of preparation as they gear up for their next opponent, the Kentucky Wildcats. He pointed out how the unexpected results from previous games can serve as a wake-up call for his players. “Like, last week, getting ready to go play at Arkansas? Yeah, that’s a rivalry for us. But you point out, ‘Hey, guys, they beat Tennessee on this field earlier in the year.’ When you’re going to play in Nashville against Vanderbilt? ‘Hey, guys, they beat Alabama on this field earlier this year.’ You’re getting ready to play Kentucky tomorrow? ‘Hey, guys, they beat Ole Miss in Oxford earlier this year,’” Sarkisian noted.
These reminders serve to keep the players focused and aware of the potential threats that every opponent poses. “So you’re talking about all these different teams. For a lot of it with our players, when they see it? Okay, they understand it and then it’s a little easier to get them ready to go,” he added.
The Strength of the SEC
Sarkisian’s passion for the SEC shines through as he discusses the overall strength of the conference. “I just think it speaks volumes to this is the Southeastern Conference. You know, I know there’s a lot of discussion about that going on,” he stated. He pointed out that even a team like Kentucky, which has only won one conference game, possesses a wealth of talent and has played competitively against many strong teams.
As Texas approaches the latter part of their conference schedule, Sarkisian is already noticing the differences in competition compared to previous seasons. This experience has fueled his desire to advocate for the SEC, especially amid ongoing conversations about the disparities between conferences.
Looking Ahead
With three-quarters of the season still ahead, Sarkisian is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Texas. “I think, in our league, we’ve got really strong opinions of what this conference stands for,” he said, emphasizing the pride that comes with competing in the SEC.
As the Longhorns continue to navigate their inaugural season in the SEC, the lessons learned and the challenges faced will undoubtedly shape their future. Sarkisian’s insights reflect not only the grit and determination of his players but also the fierce spirit of competition that defines college football in the Southeastern Conference.
In a league where every game matters and every opponent is a potential giant killer, the Longhorns are ready to rise to the occasion. The journey is just beginning, and the excitement is palpable as they look to make their mark in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
