"I don't know": Steve Sarkisian weighs in on timing of Texas vs. Michigan battle as college football giants collide
One of the biggest games of the entire college football season is set for Saturday as the No. 3 Texas Longhorns will travel to Ann Arbor to take on the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines.
Despite taking place very early in the season, this matchup has major postseason implications. As both of these 2023 College Football Playoff teams prepare for this weekend's game, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian offered his thoughts on playing in such a crucial contest so early into the season.
Sarkisian made an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Wednesday to discuss the game and the raised stakes in only the second week of the season.
"I don't know," Sarkisian said regarding any possible advantages to playing the Wolverines so early. "As much as it is about the current team they have, it's about the program, the development and what they've done. The harder part for us isn't going to be that they're going to be a quality opponent, it's about some of the new faces."
Sarkisian went on to discuss the honor of traveling to Ann Arbor to play Michigan.
"But at the end of the day, it's a great opportunity too. To go play Michigan in the Big House, the first time ever in the regular season that Texas is playing Michigan."
The matchup is certainly one that will draw massive attention, as a veteran Texas team will look to take down an inexperienced Michigan squad.
Texas favored over Michigan ahead of Saturday's matchup
Ahead of Saturday's matchup versus Michigan, Texas opens as a 7.5-point favorite over the Wolverines, despite going on the road.
Michigan has won 23 consecutive games at the Big House and is on a winning streak of 16 straight contests. They went 15-0 last season and opened their 2024 campaign with a 30-10 win over Fresno State.
The Wolverines struggled at times against Fresno State, with star running back Donovan Edwards notching just 27 yards on 11 carries. Texas, on the other hand, got out of the gates quickly in their season opener, topping Colorado State 52-0.
Quinn Ewers completed 20 of his 27 pass attempts for 260 yards and three touchdowns. The backfield tandem of Jerrick Gibson and Jaydon Blue combined for 124 yards on 21 carries.
The Wolverines will have the opportunity to notch their first signature win under Sherrone Moore, while Texas will look to capitalize with their experienced roster.