‘Rat Poison’: How Texas Longhorns Are Planning To Avoid Setback Following National Praise

Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian almost grew to become the third former assistant to take down his former boss Nick Saban. Now, he’s taking a play out of the seven-time nationwide champion’s playbook to organize for the rest of the season. 

Texas performed robust Saturday in entrance of a packed Royal-Memorial Stadium towards top-ranked Alabama however finally fell quick in a 20-19 loss. A 3-touchdown underdog, the Longhorns caught the eye of the general public eye and earned the respect of the nationwide media. 

How does No. 21 Texas (1-1) construct off its promise coming into Week 3? Sarkisian channeled his interior Saban, issuing a warning to each his staff and the fan base. 

“To cite my previous boss, we have got to watch out of the rat poison of individuals telling us how good we’re, which is necessary,” Sarkisian mentioned. “Per week in the past, everybody advised us how unhealthy we have been. Now this week, everybody needs to inform us how good we’re. We have got to watch out to quiet the noise exterior of our constructing and give attention to us.”

Led by reigning Heisman winner Bryce Younger, Alabama wanted almost all 60 minutes to take down Texas away from Bryant-Denny Stadium. A 20-yard scramble from the Crimson Tide quarterback finally arrange a game-winning 33-yard discipline purpose from Will Reichard with 10 seconds remaining, ending any probability for the Longhorns to drag off the upset. 

Within the quick time period, Texas nonetheless gained. Regardless of the loss, the Longhorns are ranked for the primary time since Week 7 of the 2021 season. Many across the league imagine that this model of Texas soccer can compete for a Massive 12 title and maybe even the School Soccer Playoff.

Sarkisian is taking it game-by-game as a substitute of trying on the huge image. He’s already moved off Alabama, turning his consideration towards 2021 Convention USA champion UTSA. 

“They’ve our consideration,” Sarkisian mentioned. “That did not take lengthy this morning after we turned the tape on for them. They get your consideration. We have to be able to go.”

The Roadrunners are coming off their first 12-win season in program historical past. Led by third-year coach Jeff Traylor, UTSA is a favourite to repeat as convention champions regardless of shedding key abilities similar to operating again Honest McCormick, cornerback Tariq Woolen, and offensive lineman Spencer Buford. 

Texas may enter the sport as a -10.5 favourite, however not all the pieces is trending in its course. The Longhorns can be with out quarterback Quinn Ewers for at the very least 4 weeks after struggling a clavicle damage within the first quarter Saturday. 

That’s not all for the Horns. Dependable backup Hudson Card is questionable for Saturday’s matchup after struggling an ankle damage towards Alabama’s protection within the second quarter. Card, a local of Austin, performed by the ache to maintain Texas concerned, going 14-of-22 passing for 158 yards. 

Each operating again Bijan Robinson (shoulder) and cornerback D’Shawn Jamison (ankle) are additionally questionable, although Robinson is assured he’ll be good to go come Saturday night. 

“I’m wholesome. My shoulder simply hurts somewhat bit, however I’ll be good by the center of the week or so,” Robinson mentioned. “Simply be robust, cease being somewhat wimp.” 

If Card is unable to play, the expectation is that redshirt freshman Charles Wright will get the beginning nod. Regardless of doubtlessly having extra upside, Sarkisian dominated out freshman and SI All-American’s No. 7 QB prospect Maalik Murphy as he is nonetheless recovering from an ankle damage suffered within the California highschool state championship recreation final December. 

“I give Charles a number of credit score,” Sarkisian mentioned. “He has made strides and leaps and bounds from a 12 months in the past this time as a real freshman to the place he’s at present.

Wright, who joined this system from Austin Excessive College, made an look final season towards Texas Tech however didn’t file a stat. Throughout his time with the Maroons, Wright threw for over 8,000 yards and 80 passing touchdowns whereas including one other 13 touchdowns together with his legs. 

Wright, Card, Roschon Johnson in a wildcat formation? Something can occur in Week 3. No matter which passer will get the beginning nod, Sarkisian is prepping as if he’s going through Alabama, not UTSA. 

One factor Sark gained’t do is enable his staff to deal with the Roadrunners as if they are a lesser opponent. That occurred far too typically final 12 months en path to a 5-7 end. 

“We bought a substantial amount of respect for UTSA,” Sarkisian mentioned. 

Kickoff Saturday at DKR is about for 7 p.m. 

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