Steve Sarkisian Champions Texas as CFP Contender Following Texas A&M Victory
Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, expressed confidence in his team’s College Football Playoff (CFP) aspirations following a significant win against Texas A&M. The matchup, held on Friday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, concluded with a 27-17 victory for the No. 16 Longhorns.
Post-Game Confidence
During the post-game press conference, Sarkisian asserted that Texas is a playoff-caliber team. “I think we’re absolutely a playoff team,” he stated, echoing his sentiments after the game. The Longhorns showcased a dominant second half, outscoring the Aggies 24-7 and producing 285 yards of total offense.
Key Statistics
- Texas is the first team since the 2019 LSU squad to achieve three regular-season wins over top-10 opponents.
- The Longhorns rank fifth nationally in strength of schedule, playing the No. 1, No. 3, and No. 4 teams this season.
- Texas suffered a narrow seven-point loss to Ohio State, remaining in possession for a potential game-tying touchdown.
Future Considerations
Sarkisian emphasized the importance of scheduling challenging opponents. He questioned the fairness of potentially punishing teams like Texas for facing tough competition. “If we’re a 10-2 team right now, this isn’t a discussion. We’re in the playoff,” he remarked.
The Importance of Scheduling
- Sarkisian highlighted that other teams might benefit from easier non-conference schedules.
- The SEC’s mandate requires matchups against Power Four opponents, but the discretion of quality remains with individual schools.
- He argued against a system that might penalize teams for seeking strong out-of-conference competition.
Looking Ahead
Sarkisian also addressed criticisms regarding past losses. He pointed out that other teams have faced similar defeats but still achieved playoff berths. Despite any setbacks, he remains confident in the talent and resilience of his squad, asserting their readiness for championship contention.
